Deepti Tanjore, Ph.D.

Deepti Tanjore leads the Fermentation and Recovery team at the Advanced Biofuels Process Demonstration Unit (ABPDU) that performs process development and scale-up related research on novel biological processes. Often times, innovations observed at the lab scale (< 1 liter) are not realized at larger scales. Deepti's team pioneers employing advanced engineering concepts in the process development phase performing scale-up to produce kilograms-level product that can be used for further downstream treatments or consumer testing. The team performs techno-economic analysis by applying data from pilot-scale studies in process modeling softwares to simulate commercial scale production and identify economic and technical bottlenecks. She hopes to contribute towards the growing bioeconomy.

1. What inspires you to work in STEM?

Just in the last two decades, STEM based research has changed the world drastically. It is only with awe I imagine how we may be leading our lives two decades from now. The world is changing fast and I want to be a part of this change. Working in the field of bio-based products, I am part of a community that is helping mankind inch closer towards a sustainable and green world that our future generations deserve. This thought inspires me to work in a bio-production related research job.

2. What excites you about your work at the Energy Department/Berkeley Lab?

DOE strives towards shaping the energy infrastructure of the United States by investigating not only renewable but also domestic fuel sources. This is a substantial change in direction for the country and its economy. As a part of Berkeley Lab that hosts several Nobel laureates and pioneers in their respective fields, we have a very good chance of reaching the challenging goals laid out by the DOE. Berkeley Lab's proximity to other biofuel and biochemical start-ups gives us the ability to work with industry and apply basic research to rapidly develop tangible products. All these aspects about my work are exciting to me.

3. How can our country engage more women, girls, and other underrepresented groups in STEM?

Starting early and engaging kids in STEM related projects at the middle school level will probably be the most impactful approach, especially in states with small economies. It is essential to ensure that these young minds find STEM related education and work and believe that a career in STEM is not out of reach or incredibly hard to achieve. Once such an attitude is established, we need to ensure that these students are able to pursue education and find jobs not only in traditional STEM fields but also in the novel interdisciplinary ones.

4. Do you have tips you would recommend for someone looking to enter your field of work?

I recommend everyone interested in the field of bioenergy and bio-economy research to identify and secure opportunities to work in academic, industrial, and/or national laboratories. It is also very important to give their best and make each of these opportunities count. Every field of work requires enthusiastic and innovative minds. However, considering that industrial scale production of biofuels is still in its early stages, this field is particularly progressive in encouraging scientists to act upon their novel and challenging ideas. I would recommend researchers to identify out-of-box approaches and pursue them diligently.

5. When you have free time, what are your hobbies?

I am learning how to play the sitar. Though I am still very much a beginner, I am very enthusiastic about it as it is a great way to exercise my mind on something different from work. The music can also be very relaxing, that is when I play right!