Our Team

Tyler J. Barzee, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
University of Kentucky
Charles E. Barnhart Building
Lexington, KY 40546-0276

Google Scholar/ResearchGate/CV/UK Webpage

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 Management and Graduate Students

  • Katherine Bell

    Lab Manager
    Research: Yeast Fermentations and PHA Production from Stillage
    Education: B.S. in Chemistry (Biochemistry), University of Kentucky
    Recreation: In my free time, I enjoy embroidery, antiquing, cooking, and exploring Kentucky!

  • 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.

  • 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, Banglade

  • 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.

  • 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

Undergraduate Students

  • Evy Yates

    BS Student
    Research: Yeast Fermentation Bioinformatics
    Education: Junior in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, University of Kentucky

  • Andrew Meade

    BS Student
    Research: Mycoprotein Fermentation and Bioprinting
    Education: Senior in BAE, University of Kentucky

  • Olivia Smith

    BS Student
    Research: Pure Mycelium Materials
    Education:

  • Josephine Traver

    BS Student
    Research: Alternative protein gelation properties
    Education:

  • Allison Lundy

    BS Student
    Research: 3D-Printing of Cell-Cultivated Foods
    Education:

  • Ben Lin

    BS Student
    Research: Kasu-tori shochu production
    Education: Senior in Biosystems Engineering, University of Kentucky

Alumni

  • Zac Byrd

    Lab Manager 2023-2025
    Employer: Heaven Hill
    Research: Growing edible gourmet mushroom on distillers spent grains.
    Education: M.S. in Integrated Plant and Soil Science, University of Kentucky
    B.S. in Agricultural and Medical Biotechnology, University of Kentucky

  • Andrew Snyder

    BS 2025
    Employer: Sazerac
    Research: Effects of Pitch Rate in On-Grain Yeast Fermentations
    Education: B.S. Chemical Engineering, University of Kentucky

  • Camden Jackson

    BS 2025
    Employer: UK College of Engineering
    Research: Autumn Berry Wine Fermentation
    Education: B.S. Chemical 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

  • Kate Moore

    BS 2024
    Employer: Tetra Tech
    Research: Anaerobic digestion of distillers spent grains
    Education: BS 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

  • Daniel 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

  • 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

Interested in joining the team? Contact Us!