Dr. Kastner is trained as a chemical engineer and industrial microbiologist. Before accepting a faculty appointment at the University of Georgia, Dr. Kastner was a senior engineer in the Biotechnology Research Group at the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site. His present research activities include the development of environmental, nanostructured and chemical catalysts, and enhanced biomass pyrolysis and gasification processes for syngas / bio-oils to liquid fuels. Dr. Kastner is an avid recreational cyclist and mountain biker.