Dr. Joel L. Cuello was recognized for his significant contributions in sustainable biological and agricultural engineering systems which provides the platform for engineering designs in various agricultural and biological systems, with emphasis on optimizing biological and agricultural productivity while fostering resource sustainability and environmental protection. Among his outstanding works are algal bioreactor systems used in industry, a hybrid solar-electric lighting system for crop production in bioregenerative space life support at NASA, and phytometric system. Since 1996, he has served as lecturer, visiting professor, and adviser to graduate students and has provided valuable advice in the improvement of graduate programs and program accreditation in various universities in the Philippines. He has also served as technical advisor to the Philippine Congressional Commission on Science, Technology and Engineering (COMSTE), the Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Science and Technology.
Birthdate: 20 November 1962
Educational Background:
- Ph.D Agricultural and Biological Engineering - The Pennsylvania State University 1994
- M.S. in Plant Physiology - The Pennsylvania State University 1999
- M.S. Agricultural and Biological Engineering The Pennsylvania State University 1990
- B.S. Agricultural Engineering - University of the PHilippines Los Baños 1984
Research Interest:
- Design and scale up of microalgae bioreactors (both photoautotrophic and heterotrophic) for production of nutraceuticals, biofuels and other applications
- Design of standardized minimally structured, modular and prefabricated vertical farm for crop production in megacities
- Design of new strategy for photo-hydrogen production from microalgae
- Design of electrical elicitation for production of secondary metabolites from cells
- Development of the Phytometric System as a new system of light measurement for plants
- Design and development of hybrid solar-electric lighting system for controlled-environment crop production in space and on earth
Honors and Awards Received:
- 2016 Corresponding Member - National Academy of Science and Technology
- 2015 Recipient - Tech Launch Arizona I-Squared (Innovation and Impact) Award
- 2013 Outstanding Alumnus Award in Biosystems Engineering Global Education and Research - University of the Philippines at Los Banos
- 2012 Elected Member - Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering
- 2012 Recipient - The University of Arizona Excellence in Global Education Award
- 2010 Fulbright Senior Specialist Center for Antarctic Programs - Universidad de Magallanes
- 2010 Visiting Professor Award - DOST-ERDT Program at Ateneo de Manila University
- 2009 Distinguished Presidential Service Award - American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
- 2009 University Guest Professor Award (Lifetime) - Zhejiang University
- 2009 Visiting Professor Award - DOST-ERDT Program at University of the Philippines Los Banos
- 2008 Distinguished Presidential Service Award - American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE)
- 2003 Outstanding High School Alumnus for Science and Technology Award - The Laguna College
- 2000 Distinguished Alumnus Award - University of the Philippines at Los Banos
- 2000 President Citation Award - American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE)
- 2000 Outstanding Contribution Award - International Commission of Agricultural Engineering (CIGR)
