Live Webinar "Decarbonization via A Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy"

 DECEMBER 18TH 

5:30 - 6:30 PM EST 

"Decarbonization Via A Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy" Live Webinar Presentation

Presentation Abstract:

Circular economy offers many nature-based and engineering solutions to climate change by promoting the efficient utilization of dedicated and waste biomass to replace fossil fuels. Examples include the conversion of biomass into biochar, construction materials, and bioenergy combined with carbon capture and storage. Understanding the environmental impacts of different biomass-based pathways and the dynamics shaping them is vital for achieving deep decarbonization through a sustainable circular bioeconomy. However, such understandings are lacking due to limited knowledge of systems effects and the absence of robust methodologies across diverse temporal and spatial scales. This talk will present transdisciplinary systems modeling approaches that integrate life cycle assessment with modeling techniques such as machine learning, engineering process modeling, techno-economic analysis, and ecosystem modeling. This talk will present several case studies of biofuels, biochar, and biomass-based materials to demonstrate how these frameworks advance the knowledge and address the challenges of understanding interlinked biomass and engineered systems across space and time. This talk will also discuss how these frameworks can support the design and optimization of biomass-based decarbonization pathways aligned with broader sustainability objectives.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Yuan Yao is an Assistant Professor of Industrial Ecology and Sustainable Systems, and Chemical & Environmental Engineering at Yale University. Her research focuses on understanding the potential environmental impacts of emerging technologies and biomass utilization. Dr. Yao received many awards, including the U.S. National Science Foundation CAREER Award, 35 Under 35 Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, and the Laudise Medal from the International Society of Industrial Ecology. Yao serves as the associate editor for the journal Resources, Conservation & Recycling. She also served on the provisional committee for the U.S. National Academies to assess the current life cycle analysis methods for low-carbon transportation fuels in the United States. She received her Ph.D. in chemical engineering from Northwestern University.