Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur | India
Dr. Kumar Sonu is an accomplished academic and engineering professional with a robust background in mechanical and environmental engineering. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Manipal University Jaipur, an M.Tech in Energy & Environmental Engineering from VIT Vellore, and a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum, both with First Class Distinction. His career spans diverse roles in academia, research, and industry. He currently serves as a Senior Project Engineer at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, where he oversees project administration. Previously, he worked as an Associate Professor and Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, as well as Assistant Dean (R&D) at Kashi Institute of Technology, Varanasi, where he taught, led departmental initiatives, and guided research for four years. Before entering academia, he served as an Assistant Manager at Shree Ram Transport Finance Company Ltd., managing key branch operations. Dr. Sonu’s research interests lie in sustainable energy systems, environmental engineering, and mechanical system optimization. With notable achievements and consistent academic excellence, he continues to contribute significantly to engineering education and research. His journey reflects a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in his field.
Featured Publications
Sogani, M., Maheshwari, K., Chaturvedi, A., Sonu, K., Syed, Z., & Sen, H. (2025). Parameters Affecting the Performance of Microbial Electrolysis Cells for Biohydrogen Production. In Microbial Electrolysis Cells for Biohydrogen Production (pp. xx–xx). Springer.
Sonu, K., Sogani, M., Tiwari, M. K., Syed, Z., & Maheshwari, K. (2025). Performance Assessment of Microbial Fuel Cells Utilizing Reverse Osmosis Concentrate and Sewage Wastewater in Conjunction with Palmyra Palm Male Inflorescence Anodes. International Journal of Environmental Research.
Maheshwari, K., Sogani, M., Syed, Z., Sen, H., Rajvanshi, J., Sonu, K., Gupta, A. B., & Agrawal, P. (2025). Microbial desalination cells in brackish RO reject treatment: Challenges and opportunities. Desalination.
Sonu, K., Sogani, M., Maheshwari, K., Syed, Z., Rajvanshi, J., & Sengupta, N. (2025). Innovative Use of Discarded Clay Cups in Constructed Wetland With Ipomoea carnea for Saline Water Treatment. Water Environment Research.
Sonu, K., Sogani, M., Sen, H., Maheshwari, K., & Tiwari, M. K. (2025). Upcycling waste fan capacitors as cost-effective anode materials for enhanced bioelectricity generation and sewage wastewater treatment in microbial fuel cells. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry.
Sonu, K., Yadav, S., Maheshwari, K., Syed, Z., Tiwari, M. K., & Sogani, M. (2025). Enhanced Bioelectricity Generation from Microbial Fuel Cell Using Leftover Rose Petals after Attar Production as a Sustainable Substrate. Waste and Biomass Valorization.
Sonu, K., Syed, Z., Singh, G., Tiwari, M. K., & Sogani, M. (2025). Performance evaluation of a Dracaena plant-based microbial fuel cell utilizing municipal solid waste compost as substrate and stainless steel mesh-supported 3D Cassia Fistula as bioanode. Waste Disposal & Sustainable Energy.