Personal profile
Personal profile
Strong background in chemistry and vast experience in chemical engineering, with over 10 years of implementing innovative solutions to energy, chemicals, and materials challenges across international public, private, and academic sectors. Currently developing high-pressure and high-temperature catalytic transformations of biomass. Committed to deploying industrially relevant processes for a sustainable future.
Research interests
Renewable energy, Environmental chemistry, Biomass, Thermochemical processes, Heterogeneous catalysis
Languages
Education/Academic qualification
Dr. sc. ETH Zürich, ETH Zurich, Switzerland
Award Date: 21 Apr 2023
M. Sc. (highest honors), University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Award Date: 7 Oct 2016
M. Sc. in Chemistry, University of Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Award Date: 11 Feb 2011
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
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SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being -
SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy
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Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
Projects
- 2 Active
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Fabricación y caracterización de tableros aislantes de baja densidad a partir de fibras naturales y adhesivo biodegradable
Moya Roque, R. A. (Coordinating Researcher (may be from TEC or another entity)), Tenorio Monge, C. (Institutional academic collaborator) & Puente Urbina, A. (Institutional academic collaborator)
1/01/26 → 31/12/27
Project: Research Projects Internally funded › Basic and applied research
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Development and Automation of the First Costa Rican End Station at a Free Electron Laser, Dedicated to Active and Biomaterials Research
Puente Urbina, A. (Institutional academic coordinator), Ureña, Y. R. C. (External collaborating researcher ), Paniagua, S. A. (External collaborating researcher ) & Vásquez-Sancho, F. (External collaborating researcher )
1/01/26 → 31/12/27
Project: Research Projects With national external funds › Basic and applied research
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Extraction, purification, and reuse of dyes from coloured polyester textiles
Lee, M., Liang, Y., Cuthbertson, A. A., Mohamed, S. Y., Puente-Urbina, A., Michener, W. E., Miscall, J., Lincoln, C., Lahive, C. W., DesVeaux, J. S., Fastow, E. J., Winey, K. I., Choi, H., Knott, B. C., Banakis, N., Allen, R. D., Beckham, G. T. & Knauer, K. M., Jan 2026, In: Nature Sustainability. 9, 1, p. 96-107 12 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Lignin-Derived Phenolic Compounds and Water Are Effective Cosolvents for Reductive Catalytic Fractionation
Webber, M. S., Puente-Urbina, A., Myers, L. C., Woodworth, S. P., Pellerin, E. J., Jang, J. H., Bussard, J. R., Metzger, A., Donohoe, B. S., Stone, M. L., Brandner, D. G., Beckham, G. T. & Román-Leshkov, Y., 10 Nov 2025, In: ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering. 13, 44, p. 19199-19209 11 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
1 Scopus citations -
Enabling Lignin Valorization Through Integrated Advances in Plant Biology and Biorefining
Dixon, R. A., Puente-Urbina, A., Beckham, G. T. & Román-Leshkov, Y., 22 Jul 2024, In: Annual Review of Plant Biology. 75, 1, p. 239-263 25 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review
Open Access23 Scopus citations -
Manufacture and testing of biomass-derivable thermosets for wind blade recycling
Clarke, R. W., Rognerud, E. G., Puente-Urbina, A., Barnes, D., Murdy, P., McGraw, M. L., Newkirk, J. M., Beach, R., Wrubel, J. A., Hamernik, L. J., Chism, K. A., Baer, A. L., Beckham, G. T., Murray, R. E. & Rorrer, N. A., 23 Aug 2024, In: Science (New York, N.Y.). 385, 6711, p. 854-860 7 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access59 Scopus citations -
Production of Paper Using Biopulping of Pineapple Leaves Fibers (PALF) Followed by Chemical and Xylanase-Enzymatic Processing
Moya, R., Tenorio, C., Puente-Urbina, A., Rosales-López, C. & Vega-baudrit, J., 2023, In: Journal of Natural Fibers. 20, 1, 2163025.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open Access3 Scopus citations
Press/Media
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Turbine Blades Have Piled Up in Landfills. A Solution May Be Coming.
31/08/24
1 item of Media coverage
Press/Media
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NREL: La resina hecha de biomasa permite el reciclaje de palas de aerogeneradores
23/08/24
1 Media contribution
Press/Media