Dr. Ali R. Esteghlalian is a Principal Scientist and Product Manager, Emerging Specialty Enzyme Products at Verenium Corporation (San Diego, California, USA.) He has been involved in enzyme applications research & management, as well as bioproduct development for more than ten years. He specializes in the application of polysaccharide degrading enzymes in natural fiber processing and pretreatment and bioconversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks for biofuels production. Working with major industrial clients worldwide, he currently directs the product management activities for a diverse portfolio of specialty enzyme products with applications in the pulp and paper bleaching operations, textile wet processing, and oil and gas well drilling and hydraulic fracturing operations.
Prior to joining Verenium in 2002, Dr. Esteghlalian was a Research Fellow with the Chair of Forest Products Biotechnology at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver, Canada), where he conducted experimental research to elucidate the interactions between cellulolytic enzymes (cellulases) and lignocellulosic substrates. Specifically, he studied the factors affecting the enzymatic hydrolysis of softwood and hardwood derived pulp and steam-exploded wood during the lignocellulose-to-bioethanol process. Additionally, he has been involved in the assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from a range of agricultural and silvicultural practices for bioenergy production. The results of his R&D studies have been captured in a number of patents, book chapters and peer-reviewed articles.
Dr. Esteghlalian holds degrees in Chemical Engineering (B.Sc., Tehran University, Iran) and Bioengineering (Ph.D., Oregon State University, USA). He will also receive his MBA from the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego in August 2010. He conducted his postdoctoral research/teaching at the University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia, USA), where he focused on how to incorporate environmental and societal factors into engineering solutions. Dr. Esteghlalian is a Senior Member of American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE), American Chemical Society (ACS), Technical Association of Pulp and Paper Industries (TAPPI) and American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE). He resides in San Diego, California and can be reached by phone at +1 858 526 5108 or by email at ali(dot)esteghlalian(at)verenium(dot)com.
