Vasudev Haribal '16 '19
Bio
M.S., Chemical Engineering
Ph.D., Chemical Engineering
Kingsport, TN
“Vasudev Haribal is a Principal Chemical Engineer at Eastman Chemical Company, where he performs techno-economic evaluations of a variety of processes and novel chemistries, to enable decision making. He has extensive experience in ideation, evaluation, and development of early-stage processes in CO₂ utilization, syngas generation, and low-carbon hydrogen production. His work helps guide cross-functional teams in advancing innovative chemistries from the lab to commercial readiness.
Previously, Dr. Haribal served as Senior Research Engineer at Susteon Inc., a climate-tech startup focused on industrial decarbonization technologies. He led projects funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, the Aviation Climate Taskforce, and other partners, resulting in novel catalyst and reactor systems for methane pyrolysis, electrified CO₂ hydrogenation to sustainable aviation fuel, and plasma-catalytic reforming. His work has produced multiple patent applications and set new performance benchmarks for clean energy processes.
Dr. Haribal has a long record of leadership in research, communication, and student development. A dedicated member of Toastmasters International since 2017, he has held leadership roles including Area Director, overseeing clubs with over 120 members, and has earned recognition as an Advanced Communicator and Leader. At NC State, he served as a teaching assistant in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, mentored undergraduate and graduate students, and provided department-level mentorship to chemical engineering students navigating academic and career pathways. He co-designed and led public speaking and communication workshops for young engineers and middle school students, empowering them to present ideas with clarity and confidence.
Dr. Haribal has authored more than 24 peer-reviewed publications, with over 1100 citations, and has delivered numerous award-winning conference presentations. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from NC State University in 2019, under the guidance of Prof. Fanxing Li, where his doctoral research focused on catalyst design and process intensification for light alkane valorization and CO₂ conversion.
Returning to serve his alma mater through the Young Alumni Council, Dr. Haribal brings deep expertise in clean energy innovation, a proven record of leadership in technical and communication domains, and a passion for mentoring the next generation of NC State engineers and leaders.”