Our Team
Assistant Professor
Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
University of Kentucky
Charles E. Barnhart Building
Lexington, KY 40546-0276
Tyler J. Barzee, Ph.D.
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
Awards and Funding
UC Davis Campus Sustainability Award (2019)
William and Nongkarn Chancellor Graduate Fellowship (2018)
Carbon Neutrality Initiative Engagement Fellowship (2018, 2017, 2016)
Biological Systems Engineering Graduate Student Travel Award (2019, 2018, 2017)
Summer Graduate Student Researcher Award (2018, 2017)
Jastro Shields Fellowship (2018, 2017, 2015)
Bill Chancellor Centennial Travel Award (2016)
H. A. Lewin Family Fellowship (2016)
UCD and Humanities Graduate Research Award (2016)
First and Second Place Graduate Poster ASABE CA/NV Meeting (2016)
EPA P3 (People, Prosperity, Planet) Research Grant Award (2016)
Graduate Scholars Fellowship (2014)
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.
Lauren Doyle
MS Student
Research: 3D Bioprinting of Novel and Sustainable Foods
Education: B.S. in Biosystems Engineering
University of Kentucky
Recreation: On my days off, I enjoy hanging out with my cat, Toby, and watching cooking shows
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
Recreation:
Undergraduate Students
Julia Loeb
BS Student
Research: Water recycling on yeast fermentation of bourbon mash
Education: Junior in Biosystems Engineering, Food and Bioprocessing Specialization, University of Kentucky
Recreation: Outside of the lab and school, you can find me playing tennis, giving campus tours, or cheering on our UK sports teams!
Kate Moore
BS Student
Research: Anaerobic digestion of distillers spent grains
Education: Junior in Biosystems Engineering, University of Kentucky
Recreation: I enjoy hanging out with my friends and family, and traveling in my free time
Victoria Holliday
BS Student
Research: Effect of static magnetic fields on yeast fermentation
Education: Senior 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.
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
Recreation: Outside of school I spend most of my time with my Aussiedoodle puppy
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
Recreation: In my free time I like to make hair tutorials on tiktok, hang with my cat, and watching K-thrillers, zombie movies, Criminal Minds and Law and Order: SVU.