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.
Syeda Sabrina Akter
PhD Student
Research: Microplastic contamination in fermentation systems
Education: B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Food Engineering and Tea Technology from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet, Bangladesh.
Recreation: Exploring the art of cooking by blending flavors from diverse cuisines, collecting sarees (the elegant traditional attire of Bangladeshi women) and traveling, especially to seaside or lakeside destinations.
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 (SUST), Sylhet, Bangladesh
Victoria Holliday
MS Student
Research: Anaerobic digestion of food waste and stillage
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