BENJAMIN, Michael Francis D.

Announcements

BENJAMIN, Michael Francis D.

Bionote

Dr. Michael Francis D. Benjamin is a licensed Chemical Engineer and Professor at the University of Santo Tomas (UST). He holds a BS ChE (cum laude) from UST, MS ChE (with distinction), and a PhD in Chemical Engineering from De La Salle University. He is a DOST scholar and a researcher at the UST Research Center for the Natural and Applied Sciences (RCNAS).

His work focuses on bioenergy systems, integrated biorefineries, and process systems engineering. He has led nationally funded research projects and has 38 Scopus-indexed publications. Dr. Benjamin is a member of national and international professional organizations, including NRCP, PhilAAST, IChemE, and PAASE. He has served in leadership roles in research and innovation initiatives at UST. He is also actively engaged in community and faith-based service, integrating his values as a Christian in both his academic and leadership pursuits.

Updates

Thomasian-developed sensor for gas monitoring, microbial fuel cell bag top prizes in DOST innovation pitch

Department of Chemical Engineering | Faculty of Engineering | DOST-UST TOMASInno Center

mdbenjamin@ust.edu.ph

Academic Qualifications

Research Highlights

Research Interests

Academic Qualifications

Degrees

Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering, De La Salle University – Manila, Philippines, 2015
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering, De La Salle University – Manila, Philippines, 2005
Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, University of Santo Tomas – Manila, Philippines, 2001

Research Highlights

Dr. Benjamin developed a framework for designing integrated biorefineries (IBR) using Philippine agricultural residues (i.e., rice and corn-derived). IBRs are biomass-processing plants that produce multiple products in the form of biofuels, power, and chemicals.
His main research interest is in developing process systems engineering (PSE) methods for systematic risk analysis of integrated energy systems (i.e., bioenergy parks and integrated biorefineries).
He is currently working with several stakeholders (i.e., researchers, industry experts, entrepreneurs, and government officials) with the aim of developing a Bio-based Economy (BBE) Roadmap for the Philippines.

Research Interests

Process Systems Engineering
Risk Analysis
Integrated Bioenergy Systems

Courses Handled

Major Recognitions

Professional Activities

Courses Handled

Separation Processes
Heat and Mass Transfer

Major Recognitions

Nonagintennial Alumni Award for Research and Development, University of Santo Tomas Chemical Engineering Alumni Association, 2024
Michael Purvis Sustainability Research Award, Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science and Technology, 2023
Fr. Roque Ruaño OP, Professorial Chair Award in Engineering, University of Santo Tomas, 2021
Outstanding ASEAN Science Diplomat, Environmental and Climate Change Research Institute, 2019

Professional Activities

Member, Philippine Association for the Advancement of Science & Technology (PhilAAST), 2023 – present
Member, Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ICCP), 2021 – present
Member, Philippine–American Academy of Science & Engineering (PAASE), 2020 – present
Member, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE), 2016 – present
Member, National Research Council of the Philippines (NRCP) – Division VII, 2016 – present
Member, Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers – Metro Manila Academe Chapter (PIChE – MMAC), 2001 – present

Selected Publications

Benjamin, M.F.D., Aviso, K.B., Belmonte, B.A., Tan, R.R. (2024). Optimal Multi-Disruption Stream Allocation in a Bioenergy Park via P-Graph, M. Abraham (Ed) Encyclopedia of Sustainable Technologies (2nd ed) (pp. 407-416) https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-90386-8.00053-X
Lim, J.S., Benjamin, M.F.D., Fan, Y.V., You, F. (2023). Approaches towards a sustainable and low-carbon emissions production. Journal of Cleaner Production, 433, 139821 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.139821
Castro Y.K.G., Manalo B.P., Saunar N.B., Belmonte B.A., Andiappan V., and Benjamin M.F.D. (2022). A DEMATEL Approach to Analyzing Barriers to Implementing Integrated Biorefineries in the Philippines. Chemical Engineering Transactions, 97, 1-6. https://doi.org/10.3303/CET2297001
Lo, S.L.Y., Lim, C.H., Benjamin, M.F.D., Lam, H.L., Sunarso, J., and How, B.S. (2022). Addressing supply uncertainties using multi-period stochastic economic evaluation: A graph-theoretic aided element targeting approach. Cleaner Engineering and Technology, 10, 100554. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clet.2022.100554
Benjamin, M.F.D., Ventura, J.S., Sangalang, K.P.H., Adorna, J.A., Belmonte, B.A., and Andiappan, V. (2021). Optimal synthesis of Philippine agricultural residue-based integrated biorefinery via the P-graph method under supply and demand constraints. Journal of Cleaner Production, 308, 127348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.127348