Mines Professor Awarded Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Chemical and Synthetic Biology
The Society of Chemical and Synthetic Biology (SCSB) recently awarded Rajesh Sani, Ph.D., South Dakota Mines professor in the Karen M. Swindler Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.
This prestigious award recognizes an eminent scientist or engineer with at least 15 years of research experience and significant contributions in peer-reviewed publications, patents and other awards.
“This international recognition underscores my group's achievements that exemplify high-quality research in extremophilic bioprocessing," Sani said. "Receiving this award encourages me to continue sharing my knowledge and experiences to mentor and empower the next generation of leaders in our field. While this is a significant honor, it also motivates me to continue pushing boundaries and making meaningful contributions to our field.”
Sani plans to establish meaningful connections with institutions in the United States, facilitate memorandums of understanding, and organize workshops and talks that bridge researchers and institutions with the Society of Chemical and Synthetic Biology.
He and his team have been researching extremophilic bioprocessing for nearly 20 years. Throughout that time, he has been involved in $66.8 million in funded research for 57 collaborative projects and published more than 140 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals. His team holds 12 invention disclosures and three patents.
In addition to his research, Sani has developed new biological engineering courses to actively engage undergraduate and graduate students in biology, chemistry, environmental, chemical, and biomedical engineering. He has fostered a lab culture emphasizing peer mentoring and professional development while actively recruiting graduate students from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM. Additionally, he created a comprehensive series of teaching and lab sessions, which he has widely shared with middle and high school educators through hands-on activities and platform presentations.
The SCSB, a pioneering organization in biomanufacturing in India, connects global enthusiasts through workshops and events, creating a vibrant community for young aspirants. Founded in 2019, SCSB is India's leading non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the fields of biomanufacturing. Its mission is to bridge aspiring scientists with international peers and industry leaders through impactful initiatives, fostering collaboration to drive innovation in synthetic biology.