Dr. Avan Kumar | Chemical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Arizona State University, United States

Profiles

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Avan Kumar’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Technology in Polymer Science and Chemical Technology from Delhi Technological University (DTU) (2013–2017). Building on this strong foundation, he pursued a Master of Technology in Chemical Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) BHU, Varanasi (2017–2019), where his research focused on enhancing solar module efficiency using luminescent dyes. His commitment to advancing sustainable technologies culminated in a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at IIT Delhi (2019–2023), specializing in the application of deep learning and natural language processing (NLP) for sustainable process development. This rigorous academic path laid the groundwork for his later innovations in AI-driven sustainability solutions.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Kumar is currently serving as a Post-Doctoral Researcher at the School of Sustainability, Arizona State University (ASU), USA, under the mentorship of Prof. Bhavik R. Bakshi. Since December 2023, he has been actively engaged in designing customized large language models (LLMs) that extract structured databases from unstructured texts, aiming to create comprehensive life cycle inventories (LCIs) and circular reaction networks, particularly for chemical and plastic industries. His professional endeavors seamlessly blend chemical engineering with advanced AI technologies, showcasing his interdisciplinary expertise.

Contributions and Research Focus

Throughout his academic and research career, Dr. Kumar’s work has revolved around Generative AI, Large Language Models, Explainable AI, Natural Language Processing, and Sustainable Process Development. His doctoral research featured the development of a deep learning-integrated photo-catalyst classification model, data-driven optimization frameworks using Gaussian Process Regression and Multi-Objective Bayesian Optimization, and the creation of domain-specific LLMs such as “Extend-SciBERT,” “H2-BERT,” “Recycle-BERT,” and “CCU-LlaMA.” His innovative use of AI tools for chemical sustainability reflects his forward-thinking vision of the industry.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Kumar’s pioneering research has significant implications for green energy transition, plastic circular economy promotion, and carbon capture advancements. His customized language models have streamlined research processes across sectors like hydrogen production and plastic recycling, thus supporting industries to adapt more sustainable practices. By bridging AI and chemical engineering, he influences both academia and industry towards achieving climate goals and sustainability targets.

Academic Citations

While still at an early stage of his postdoctoral career, Dr. Kumar’s contributions, particularly in AI-driven sustainability research, have begun attracting scholarly attention. His interdisciplinary approach promises a growing impact, with citations expected to increase as his LLM models and sustainable frameworks gain wider academic and industrial adoption.

Technical Skills

Dr. Kumar possesses strong technical skills in Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Explainable Machine Learning (SHAP, GPR), Multi-Objective Optimization (MOBO), Large Language Model Fine-Tuning, and Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Development. His interdisciplinary expertise also extends to Sustainable Process Design, Solar Energy Systems, and Circular Reaction Pathway Mapping, demonstrating a rare blend of computational and engineering acumen.

Teaching Experience

During his Ph.D. tenure at IIT Delhi, Dr. Kumar contributed actively to the academic community through mentorship roles and lab supervision. His engagement with students in interdisciplinary projects related to AI in chemical processes fostered a collaborative and innovative learning environment. His teaching philosophy focuses on integrating modern computational tools into chemical engineering curricula to prepare future-ready engineers.

Legacy and Future Contributions Highlight

Dr. Kumar’s legacy will be defined by his trailblazing integration of AI into chemical engineering to support sustainable development. His ongoing work at ASU promises to revolutionize the way industries build life cycle inventories and circular process models. In the future, he envisions advancing explainable, domain-specific AI systems that not only enhance industrial efficiency but also promote ecological responsibility. His contributions are poised to play a critical role in shaping next-generation sustainable technologies and AI innovations for environmental stewardship.

Notable Publications

An NLP-Based Framework for Extracting the Catalysts Involved in Hydrogen Production from Scientific Literature
Authors: Avan Kumar, Hariprasad Kodamana
Journal: Computer Aided Chemical Engineering (Book Chapter)
Year: 2023

A Convolutional Neural Network-Based Gradient Boosting Framework for Prediction of the Band Gap of Photo-Active Catalysts
Authors: Avan Kumar, Sreedevi Upadhyayula, Hariprasad Kodamana
Journal: Digital Chemical Engineering
Year: 2023

Recycle-BERT: Extracting Knowledge about Plastic Waste Recycling by Natural Language Processing
Authors: Avan Kumar, Bhavik R. Bakshi, Manojkumar Ramteke, Hariprasad Kodamana
Journal: ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering
Year: 2023

Multiobjective Bayesian Optimization Framework for the Synthesis of Methanol from Syngas Using Interpretable Gaussian Process Models
Authors: Avan Kumar, K.K. Pant, Sreedevi Upadhyayula, Hariprasad Kodamana
Journal: ACS Omega
Year: 2023

A Text Mining Framework for Screening Catalysts and Critical Process Parameters from Scientific Literature – A Study on Hydrogen Production from Alcohol
Authors: Avan Kumar, Swathi Ganesh, Divyanshi Gupta, Hariprasad Kodamana
Journal: Chemical Engineering Research and Design
Year: 2022