ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Manikandan Pandiyan bags Global Biofuel Champion fellowship
Pandiyan will receive $15,000 in funding, collaborate with industry experts, and build a global network within the biofuels sector.
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Tue, 02, Jun 2026
- 04:59 EDT
- 26
Manikandan Pandiyan / Manikandan Pandiyan via LinkedIn
The Global Biofuels Alliance has named Indian-American engineer Manikandan Pandiyan, a University of Michigan Mechanical Engineering PhD candidate, as the Global Biofuel Champion Fellow.
Pandiyan is among the 15 fellows selected from institutions worldwide, he was selected for his project, "ReACT-HTL," which explores converting Areca catechu biomass waste into biofuel through hydrothermal liquefaction.
The Global Biofuels Alliance Global Biofuel Champion Fellowship program (GBCF) aims to nurture young leaders in the biofuels sector and support meaningful research that addresses critical industry challenges.
Talking about the recognition, he said, "Receiving the Global Biofuel Champion Fellowship is an important milestone for me, both personally and professionally.”
He continued, “Coming from a farming background in rural India, I have closely seen the challenges associated with agricultural waste management and sustainable resource use. This fellowship provides an opportunity to connect my personal experiences with my engineering and research goals.”
Also Read: Tanya Singh recognized for legal scholarship at KU Law
His proposal seeks to transform agricultural waste from Areca catechu cultivation into renewable energy products using hydrothermal liquefaction, supporting both cleaner fuel production and environmentally responsible waste utilization.
“Areca nut is widely cultivated across South and Southeast Asia, especially in India, generating large amounts of agricultural residues such as husks, leaf sheaths, rachis, and leaflets,” he explained.
He further said, “Much of this waste is currently burned or discarded, contributing to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.”
Through the one-year fellowship, Pandiyan will receive $15,000 in funding, collaborate with industry experts, and build a global network within the biofuels sector.
“I would like to sincerely thank the Carbon Neutrality Acceleration Program, the U-M Graham Sustainability Institute, and the U-M Department of Mechanical Engineering for their support,” he said.
Expressing gratitude, he added, “I also extend my sincere gratitude to Professor Margaret Wooldridge, Adam Mael,ME Graduate Coordinator, and Kris Owens, ME Research Administrator, for their guidance and assistance during the proposal submissions process.”
Pandiyan is advised by Margaret Wooldridge, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Mechanical Engineering. He previously earned dual master’s degrees in mechanical engineering and electrical and computer engineering at U-M.
He also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Instrumentation and Control Systems from PSG College of Technology in Tamil Nadu, India.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login