Elias Bamaca

About Elias Bamaca

I’m a doctor of biological engineering, focused on biomass transformation and bioprocessing. An academic with real hands-on plant experience from a sugarcane mill (cane-to-premium sugar) plus P & IDs, MOC, risk maps, Totral Process Safety, mass balances, DSP support on IX columns, clarifieres, heat transfer equipment, evaporation/rotary evaporation, and others. Also, PI-trend analysis, project management, and AFE budgeting. I also learned circular-economy fundamentals through cogeneration using bagasse as feedstock.My thermochemical research centered on heterogeneous metallic catalysts; I used graphene supports to achieve nano-distribution and ran high-pressure aqueous-phase reactions to generate biohydrogen from biomass. In my doctorate, I applied Design of Experiments to bioplastic production via precision fermentation using carbohydrates and fatty acids. I built an ASPEN model and techno-economic analysis that informed a proposal for the Nebraska Corn Board.I’ve contributed to projects spanning lignin separation for hydrogen cells, high-temperature biochar for battery applications, and biocrude from local biomass for potential asphalt binders.Beyond the lab and plant, I completed a graduate diploma in International Trade Management (including an export plan for rambutan) and served as a Project Manager for a regional nonprofit in Northern Guatemala, partnering with local officials to advance university- and community-focused education projects.

Experience

1. Research Process Engineer

   ADM

   Jul 2025 — Present · IL, US

Education

• Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala

  Postgraduate course in International Trade Management, International Business/Trade/Commerce

  2016 — 2017

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  Master of Science - MS, Biiological systems engineering

  2018 — 2020

• Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala

  Ingeniería Quimica, Chemical Engineering

  2004 — 2011

• University of Nebraska-Lincoln

  PhD, Biological Engineering