Team Members

Mahdi Vaezi, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Engineering Technology

Dr. Mahdi Vaezi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alberta in 2014 and received the Canadian Society for Bioengineering Doctoral Dissertation Award for his doctoral research.

Dr. Vaezi is the Founder and Director of WASTE Labs and directs two applied research laboratories at NIU. The NIU Bioplastics Lab focuses on bio-based and biodegradable plastics, composites, films, coatings, and molded products using materials such as soy, hemp, agricultural residues, biochar, and other waste streams. The NIU Pipeline Hydrotransport Lab focuses on biomass-slurry transport, rheology, flow behavior, pumping, scale-up, logistics, and techno-economic analysis.

His broader research also applies artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and geospatial technologies to energy, environmental, and public health challenges. Much of his work is conducted in collaboration with industry, government agencies, commodity organizations, and university partners, with an emphasis on moving research from feasibility and development through testing, validation, and practical implementation.

Dr. Vaezi was named a 2025 Researcher to Know by the Illinois Science & Technology Coalition and has received NIU’s Rising Star Award and Huskie Trek Talks Award for Vision, Impact, Collaboration and Quality. He was also selected for NIU’s 2026–27 Emerging Faculty Leaders Program. His work has contributed to multiple patent applications, and he actively mentors graduate and undergraduate students through research, publications, conferences, and industry-sponsored projects.

Anna Klis, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Department of Economics
Personal Website

Dr. Anna Klis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Northern Illinois University and a Faculty Associate of the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability, and Energy. She earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin in 2015, specializing in game theory and environmental economics. Her research focuses on environmental externalities, resource management, and coordination mechanisms in international agreements, with publications in leading journals including Ecological Economics and Environmental and Resource Economics. In collaboration with the WASTE Lab's Pipeline Hydrotransport Unit, Dr. Klis leads the techno-economic analysis of biomass pipeline transportation systems, developing frameworks to integrate traditional benefit-cost analysis with emerging sustainable transportation technologies.

Robert A. Tatara, Ph.D.
Professor (retired)
Department of Engineering Technology

After 28 years of service at NIU, Robert Tatara, PhD, retired at the rank of S.T.A.R. Professor, he holds a doctorate in chemical engineering from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois. Prof. Tatara has taught courses in manufacturing engineering technology and recently authored a compressive treatment of the subject of compression molding in Applied Plastics Engineering Handbook: Processing, Sustainability, Materials, and Applications, 3rd edition. His research interests include manufacturing, thermal design, and polymeric materials and has led projects funded by USDA, EPA, and U.S. Army. For the past fifteen years, Prof. Tatara’s focus has been assessing uses in the plastics industry for agricultural crop byproducts.

Tao Xu, Ph.D.
Distinguished Professor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Dr. Tao Xu is a Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Northern Illinois University, specializing in physical chemistry and nanotechnology. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Alabama and completed postdoctoral research at Texas A&M University and Argonne National Laboratory. His research focuses on the design, synthesis, and application of nanomaterials for energy conversion, storage, catalysis, and safety monitoring. Dr. Xu’s work has earned numerous honors, including the NSF CAREER and Special Creativity Awards, two R&D 100 Awards, and NIU’s Board of Trustees and Presidential Research Professorships.

Omolola Kafi, Ph.D.
Laboratory Manager

I am Omolola (“Lola”) Kafi, Ph.D., a Research Associate in the Bioplastics Lab at Northern Illinois University. I earned my Ph.D. in Forestry from Auburn University, where my research focused on developing and evaluating biocomposites made from bioplastic blends, lignocellulosic fibers, and carbon-based materials derived from forestry residues. My background also includes microbiology and waste-to-energy research, which supports my interdisciplinary interest in converting plant and other waste streams into useful materials. In the Bioplastics Lab, I conduct research on sustainable bio-based materials and support ongoing projects across the lab. My current work includes developing bio-based substrates for printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in electrical and electronic applications. My long-term goal is to become an expert in the design, development, characterization, and application of bio-based materials for industrial applications.

Manila Kunwar
M.S. Student, Industrial Management and Engineering Technology

I am Manila Kunwar, an M.S. student in Industrial Management and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. I earned my B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University. My previous research experience includes chemical recycling of plastic waste, soybean-based product development, vegetable-oil-based quenchants, and process R&D for industrial enzyme production. In the Bioplastics Lab, I apply my chemical engineering background to the development and optimization of sustainable materials and manufacturing processes. My long-term goal is to pursue a career in process design, focusing on sustainable and efficient solutions for industrial manufacturing and production. Outside of the lab, I enjoy hiking, running, and traveling.

Sarahjean Brown
B.S. Student, Mechanical Engineering

I am Sarahjean Brown, a Mechanical Engineering undergraduate at Northern Illinois University. My research in the Bioplastics Lab focuses on developing biodegradable and edible transparent soy protein composite films and coatings for fresh produce packaging. I previously worked in a materials science lab, where I specialized in failure analysis and materials testing across various industries. Outside the lab, I enjoy painting, cooking, scary movies, and spending time outdoors. I hope to use my skills to positively impact the environment and public health.

Ian Janusz
M.S. Student, Industrial Management and Engineering Technology

I am Ian Janusz, a M.S. student in Industrial Management and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. My research in bioplastics lab focuses on utilizing natural fibers and everyday waste materials as reinforcement and fillers in plastics. I also contribute to the development of the next-generation bioplastic 3D printer, working alongside my team to enhance its capabilities. Outside of the lab, I enjoy creating my own 3D-printed projects, exploring the outdoors with my dog, and stargazing. My long-term goal is to establish my own company specializing in materials and manufacturing.

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Joseph C. La Barbera
M.S. Student, Mechanical Engineering

I’m a M.S. student in Mechatronics Engineering at NIU. I’m joining the Bioplastics Lab to work at the intersection of mechatronics and sustainable materials—building test rigs, sensors, and automation to support bio-based composites and manufacturing. Previously, I contributed to projects in mobile robotics and wheelchair design. Outside the lab, I enjoy running and playing piano. I hope to apply what I learn here to medical devices and sustainable robotics.

Jason Hicks
B.S Student, Mechanical Engineering

I am Jason Hicks, a B.S. student in Mechanical Engineering at Northern Illinois University. My research in the Bioplastics Lab focuses on developing composite materials using natural fibers and polymer systems. I have previous experience in materials research with two faculty members, which helped strengthen my interest in materials design and analysis. Outside the lab, I enjoy listening to music, baking, and practicing martial arts. I hope to use my research experience to pursue a career in materials design, testing, or analysis.

Christopher Alesi
M.S. Student, Industrial Management and Engineering Technology

I am Christopher Alesi, an M.S. student in Industrial Management and Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. I work as a research assistant in the Bioplastics Lab, where I contribute to the development and testing of biodegradable composite materials reinforced with natural fibers and bio-based polymers. My interests include sustainable materials, product development, and manufacturing process improvement. Outside the lab, I enjoy working out, spending time outdoors, and watching movies and television. I hope to build a career that combines engineering, manufacturing, and sustainability.

Mark Martinez
B.S. Student, Mechatronics Engineering Technology

I am Mark Martinez, a B.S. student in Mechatronics Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University. I work as a research assistant in the Bioplastics Lab, where I contribute to projects focused on sustainable materials, bioplastics, and emerging technologies. My interests include nature, mycology, plant breeding, and developing unique hybrid plants with desirable physical characteristics. Outside the lab, I enjoy exploring ways to connect engineering with biology and sustainability. My long-term goal is to develop technologies and materials that positively impact society and the environment.

Alborz "Mike" Nasseri
B.S Student, Biology

I am Alborz "Mike" Nasseri, a B.S. student in Biology at Northern Illinois University. My research in the Bioplastics Lab focuses on polymer chemistry and protein biochemistry in soy protein-based biomaterials. I am interested in protein structure-function relationships, functional group reactivity, and molecular crosslinking mechanisms that can be used to develop biodegradable materials with improved performance and sustainability. I previously participated in public health-related research at the University of Kansas, where I contributed to projects focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and their impacts on public and environmental health. I have also conducted molecular biology research involving microbial interactions, including the use of bacteria to reduce fungal growth. My long-term goal is to apply biology, chemistry, and materials science to develop sustainable technologies.

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