Our Team
Tyler J. Barzee, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
University of Kentucky
Charles E. Barnhart Building
Lexington, KY 40546-0276
Education
University of California Davis (2020-2021)
Post-Doctoral Scholar, Ruihong Zhang Lab
University of California Davis (2014-2020)
Ph.D. and M.S. in Biological Systems Engineering
Clemson University (2010-2014)
B.S. in Biosystems Engineering
Interests
Scientific: Bioprocessing engineering, fermentation, algal and fungal biotechnology, agricultural byproduct upgrading, renewable energy, technoeconomic and life cycle assessment, engineering education, sustainable development
Recreational: Cooking, traveling, studying classical guitar, playing with his two cats, and hiking
Watch his Classical Guitar Performances
Lab Manager
Zac Byrd
Lab Manager
Research: Growing edible gourmet mushroom on distillers spent grains. I also assist with graduate student projects, undergraduate training, and other miscellaneous lab duties
Education: M.S. in Integrated Plant and Soil Science, University of Kentucky
B.S. in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, University of Kentucky
Recreation: My main hobbies are brewing beer and training for triathlons/swim meets. I also enjoy cooking, creating cocktails, and woodworking.
Graduate Students
Suvro Talukdar
PhD Student
Research: Fungal Assisted Harvesting of Microalgae
Education: M.S. in Biosystems Engineering, University of Kentucky
B.Engg in Food Engineering and Tea Technology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
Sylhet, Bangladesh
Recreation: I love to play football and cricket in my spare time
Yosselin Castro-Islas
PhD Student
Research: Sour mashing and yeast fermentation
Education: M.S. Engineering and Technology Management, Morehead State University;
M.S. Advanced Technology (Flavor Analysis), CICATA-Qro, Mexico;
B.S. Food Chemistry Engineering, Universidad Autonoma de Queretaro, Mexico
Recreation: I enjoy cooking and hiking on my free time.
Ryan Sarhan
MS Student
Research: Water recycling in yeast fermentations
Education: B.S. in Environmental Science, Western Washington University
Recreation: In my free time I enjoy hydroponic gardening and hanging out with my chickens and dog, Knox
Keya Rani Roy
MS Student
Research: Pure Mycelium Materials
Education: B.Engg in Food Engineering and Tea Technology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology
Sylhet, Bangladesh
Victoria Holliday
MS Student
Research: TBD
Education: B.S. in Agriculture Engineering Technology, University of Tennessee at Martin
Recreation: I race cross country and long-distance track events for my college team. I spend most of my free time running, thinking about running, and talking about running.
Undergraduate Students
Evy Yates
BS Student
Research: Yeast Fermentation Bioinformatics
Education: Junior in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, University of Kentucky
Katherine Bell
BS Student
Research: PHA Bioplastic Fermentation
Education: Junior in Biochemistry, University of Kentucky
Andrew Meade
BS Student
Research: Mycoprotein Fermentation and Bioprinting
Education: Junior in BAE, University of Kentucky
Alumni
Danielle Hockensmith
MS 2023
Employer: Neogen Corp.
Research: Anaerobic Digestion of Distillers Spent Grains
Education: M.S. and B.S. in Biosystems Engineering, University of Kentucky
Lauren Doyle
MS 2024
Employer: United Petfood
Research: 3D Bioprinting of Novel and Sustainable Foods
Education: M.S. and B.S. in Biosystems Engineering
University of Kentucky
Julia Loeb
BS 2024
Employer: Diageo
Research: Water recycling on yeast fermentation of bourbon mash
Education: BS in Biosystems Engineering, Food and Bioprocessing Specialization, University of Kentucky
Camden Jackson
BS Student
Research: Autumn Berry Wine Fermentation
Education: Senior in Chemical Engineering, University of Kentucky
Johnna Campbell
BS 2023
Employer: Bear Process Safety
Research: Yeast fermentation and water recycling/ RO concentrate usage for fermentation
Education: B.S. in Biosystems Engineering, Food and Bioprocess Specialization, University of Kentucky
Andrew Snyder
BS Student
Research: Effects of Pitch Rate in On-Grain Yeast Fermentations
Education: Senior in Chemical Engineering, University of Kentucky
Kate Moore
BS 2024
Employer: Tetra Tech
Research: Anaerobic digestion of distillers spent grains
Education: BS in Biosystems Engineering, University of Kentucky