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Dr. Deepak Kumar
Dr. Deepak Kumar Receives the Exemplary Researcher Award
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – May 14, 2025 – Dr. Deepak Kumar was named Exemplary Researcher for 2025-26 at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF). This award recognizes active researchers with outstanding publication records, impactful research programs, and strong mentorship of graduate and undergraduate students.
Nominated by peers and selected by the Committee on Research and Scholarship, awardees are evaluated on publication impact, success in securing external funding, and student mentorship.
"We are thrilled to recognize Dr. Deepak Kumar with the Exemplary Researcher Award,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “His groundbreaking work in sustainable technology and dedication to mentoring students exemplify the values we uphold at ESF. Congratulations, Deepak, on this well-deserved honor."
Kumar joined ESF’s Department of Chemical Engineering in 2019 and quickly became a leader in sustainable technology. His lab develops eco-friendly solutions such as PFAS-removal materials and biodegradable plastics from industrial waste. Known for bridging innovation and real-world application, Kumar collaborates with teams nationwide and globally.
Since 2020, he has published over 65 of his 94 peer-reviewed papers, accumulating more than 5,000 citations and earning an H-index of 35. He is editor of “Sustainable Biorefining of Woody Biomass to Biofuels and Biochemicals” book and has contributed extensively to conferences and book chapters.
Kumar has secured funding for more than 20 research projects and plays a lead role in initiatives at the New York State Center for Sustainable Materials Management., “He serves as PI or Co-PI on research grants with a total portfolio of approximately $23 million” with major support from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation.
“Dr. Kumar’s research group is highly productive and has helped create a vibrant, exciting, and interesting research environment in the department,” said Dr. Bandaru V. Ramarao of the Department of Chemical Engineering.
Kumar mentors a dynamic team of Ph.D. and M.S. students and postdoctoral researchers. He has graduated three Ph.D. and two M.S. students, with his group publishing widely in leading journals. He also introduced a popular course on process modeling and techno-economic analysis, drawing students from across ESF and Syracuse University.
Nationally and internationally recognized in biological and chemical engineering, Kumar is a rising leader in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE), having served in leadership roles and as session organizer for over 10 years. He also contributes as an associate editor and journal reviewer, underscoring his broad impact on the field.
About SUNY ESF
The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) is dedicated to the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable and resilient future through design, policy, and management of the environment and natural resources. Members of the College community share a passion for protecting the health of the planet and a deep commitment to the rigorous application of science to improve the way humans interact with the world. The College offers academic programs ranging from the associate of applied science to the Doctor of Philosophy. ESF students live, study and do research on the main campus in Syracuse, N.Y., and on 25,000 acres of field stations in a variety of ecosystems across the state.