Jorge Rodríguez R. is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Khalifa University. He holds a PhD in Chemical and Environmental Engineering (2006), as well as MEng and BEng degrees in Chemical Engineering (2001), all from the University of Santiago de Compostela (USC), Spain.
His research interests lie at the intersection of bioprocess engineering, microbial ecology, and environmental biotechnology. He is particularly focused on understanding and modelling microbial catalysis in engineered systems, with the goal of improving the efficiency, robustness, and sustainability of biotechnological processes for wastewater treatment and resource recovery. His group develops and applies mathematical models to explore how microbial communities function and allocate resources, combining bioenergetics, metabolic constraints, and ecological interactions to guide the design of next-generation bioreactors. He is also active in epidemiological modelling, having advised Abu Dhabi health authorities since 2020 on COVID-19 interventions, vaccination strategies, and international travel policies.
Prof. Rodríguez currently serves as Editor for Water Research, Chemical Engineering Science, and Water Science & Technology. He is also Chair of the International Water Association (IWA) Anaerobic Digestion Specialist Group, and since 2023, President of the Association of Spanish Scientists and Researchers in the UAE.
.jpg){kind=spacer}
Biological treatment of ethanolamine-rich wastewater from nuclear power plants (NPPs)
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) - (2 years) 2022-2023
System-wide modeling and (bio)chemical characterization for optimum SEAS design, scale up, and operation
Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) - (2+ years) 2019-2022
Model-based support for decision-making, interventions, and vaccine distribution for the COVID19 pandemic
Department of Health Abu Dhabi - 2021-2023
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgerr/
_11zon_11zon.jpg)