Poorva Shrivastava

I'm currently doing my Master's in Bioprocess Engineering at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. In my free time, I grow mycelium objects and learn 3D printing. I'm currently a bioprocess engineering intern at Grown.bio, a pioneer in mycelium packaging.

Recently, I finished my thesis on natural deep eutectic solvents as one-step algal biorefineries.

During my Bachelor's in Biotechnology Engineering in India, I set up my own social business, CharKoyla. I created high-quality biochar from waste like coconut husks at temples, invasive species like Lantana camara and water hyacinth to filter pesticides and other synthetic contaminants from drinking water. This led to a two-year journey of culminating in a pilot project in a small Indian village: a drinking water treatment plant for the village, operated by two local women from the village.

Before my Bachelor's, I grew up in Saudi Arabia, in the largest industrial city in the world - the cradle of the petrochemical industry! This industry has not only shaped my entire life, but informed my understanding of the challenges ahead of us as we transition to a biobased economy.

My professional experience has been extremely varied, spanning continents and topics, but it has a common thread. What makes me tick? Exploring innovative ways to use waste biomass, from making biochar to growing mycelium materials. What else? A good challenge that I can dig my teeth into.

June 2022