ESF Associate Professor Deepak Kumar Named 2026 Young Engineer of the Year

10/14/2026

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Oct. 14, 2026 — Dr. Deepak Kumar, associate professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF), has been recognized with the 2026 Young Engineer of the Year Award from the Northeast Agricultural and Biological Engineering Conference (NABEC). The award recognizes engineers under the age of 40 whose research, innovation, and professional contributions are advancing the field and addressing critical societal challenges.

NABEC, a regional community of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) serving the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada, presents the award annually to one member who has demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in research, design, extension, or other areas of agricultural and biological engineering, as well as significant contributions to the advancement of the profession.

Kumar's research focuses on sustainable bioprocess engineering and circular bioeconomy. His work develops innovative technologies that transform renewable biomass and industrial waste streams into biodegradable plastics, renewable fuels, and advanced environmental materials. His research also includes the development of nanoadsorbents for water treatment and PFAS remediation while integrating techno-economic and sustainability analyses to assess the scalability and real-world impact of emerging technologies.

“Dr. Kumar's recognition as Young Engineer of the Year reflects the transformative work taking place at ESF and the profound impact our faculty are making on some of society's most pressing environmental challenges,” said ESF President Joanie Mahoney. “Dr. Kumar’s research exemplifies the innovation, collaboration, and commitment to sustainability that define ESF. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor and grateful for the leadership Dr. Kumar provides to our students, our institution, and the engineering profession.”

Since joining ESF in 2019, Kumar has established a nationally recognized and externally funded research program supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, and U.S. Forest Service. He has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications that have collectively garnered more than 7,000 citations.

His recent honors include ESF's Exemplary Researcher Award in 2025 and the 2026 SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities, underscoring the impact and growing recognition of his research portfolio.

“Dr. Kumar represents the very best of faculty scholarship at ESF,” said Provost Lindi Quackenbush. “His work demonstrates how engineering innovation can create practical solutions to environmental challenges while inspiring and preparing the next generation of scientists and engineers. This recognition from his professional peers is a testament to both the quality of his research and the influence he is having on the field.”

Beyond his research achievements, Kumar is deeply committed to education, mentorship, and professional leadership. Through his work with undergraduate and graduate researchers and his involvement in engineering organizations, he is helping prepare future engineers to develop sustainable solutions for a rapidly changing world.

“This award is especially meaningful because it comes from colleagues within the engineering community,” Kumar said. “I am grateful to my students, collaborators, and mentors whose partnership and support have made this work possible. Together, we are advancing technologies that can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.”

Award recipients are selected based on nominations submitted by colleagues and are recognized for both their technical accomplishments and their contributions to the advancement of agricultural and biological engineering.

About SUNY ESF  

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry is one of the nation's premier colleges focused on the study of the environment, developing renewable technologies, and building a sustainable future. ESF’s Mission is to educate future environmental leaders of all backgrounds, advance knowledge, and skills necessary to promote scholarship and stewardship of the natural to designed environments, and act both locally and globally to Improve Our World. ESF’s students, faculty, staff, and alumni make a global impact on improving and sustaining the environment. ESF offers a world-class education among a close-knit community of more than 2,000 scholars with common values and a shared sense of purpose. ESF’s tight-knit community is centered alongside Syracuse University in the heart of Central New York and has a system of properties spanning 25,000 acres that broadly represent New York state’s rich ecological diversity for scientific study and instruction.  To learn more, visit www.esf.edu.