Biomass Technology, which sits at the intersection of renewable energy, waste management, sustainability, and climate protection, offers practical solutions to some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges.
Anjitha Kuriakose, our next pathbreaker, Research Scientist at the German Biomass Research Center (DBFZ, Germany), works on developing sustainable energy solutions through research on Biomass utilisation, Biogas technologies, Combustion systems and Sustainable materials .
Anjitha talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about her masters thesis focused on developing efficient biogas cookstoves for household cooking applications.
For students, dream big, work consistently, keep learning, and never underestimate what you are capable of achieving.
Anjitha, Your Background ?
Hello everyone! My name is Anjitha Kuriakose, and I come from a small town in Kerala, India.
When I was growing up, one of my biggest inspirations was my mother. She is a teacher, and through her I learned the importance of education, financial independence, and self-confidence. My mother always told me that having a good education and a job gives us the ability to live with dignity and make our own decisions.
I still remember a special childhood memory. Whenever my mother received her salary, she would ask me to help count the money. She did this intentionally because she wanted me to understand that education and hard work can lead to a stable and independent life. As a child, that simple activity motivated me to study well and dream about having a successful career of my own one day.
My grandmother was also a teacher. Seeing both my mother and grandmother work, earn their own income, and support their families taught me an important lesson: women can build successful careers, become financially independent, and positively influence society.
In school, I enjoyed science and mathematics because I was curious about how things worked. Although I did not know exactly what career I wanted to pursue, I always wanted to learn, grow, and make my family proud.
A major turning point in my life came in April 2021 when I moved to Germany with a big dream to gain international education, build a strong career, and contribute to solving global challenges through science and technology.
Today, when I look back at that journey, I feel proud that the small-town girl who dreamed of studying abroad is now working as a Research Scientist in Germany.
What did you do for graduation/post-graduation?
I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Christ Knowledge City, India, in 2019. During my bachelor’s studies, I worked on a project that investigated the properties of concrete using different percentages of steel and coir fiber. This project introduced me to research, experimentation, and problem-solving, which later became important aspects of my career.
Although my degree was in Civil Engineering, we had subjects such as Sustainable Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Engineering Laboratory, Sustainable Energy Processes, and Renewable Energy. These courses sparked my curiosity about sustainable technologies and showed me how engineering can help address environmental challenges and contributing to sustainable world.
As I explored opportunities for higher studies, I came across the Master’s program in Biomass Technology at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany. What attracted me most was its interdisciplinary nature, combining engineering, renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental sciences. I realized that the analytical and problem-solving skills I had gained through Civil Engineering could be applied to this field as well.
In April 2021, I moved to Germany to pursue this master’s program. The transition required learning many new concepts related to biomass, energy conversion, and sustainability, but I saw it as an exciting opportunity to broaden my knowledge and contribute to solving global energy challenges.
As part of my master’s studies, I spent a semester at BOKU University in Vienna, Austria, through an academic exchange program which was compulsory and also part of Syllabus. There, I studied sustainability, circular economy, natural sciences, and environmental technologies. Since I fulfilled the academic requirements of both universities, I was awarded master’s degrees from both institutions.
Later I got an opportunity to do my master’s thesis from German Biomass Research Center (DBFZ) in Leipzig, Germany. My research focused on developing efficient biogas cookstoves by studying how different biogas qualities affect combustion performance. Interestingly, later during interview I was told that my Civil Engineering background was one of the reasons I was selected for the position. The team valued my knowledge of environmental systems, sustainability, Fluid mechanics and engineering fundamentals, which complemented the expertise required for the project.
This experience eventually led to my current role as a Research Scientist at DBFZ.
My journey taught me that your bachelor’s degree does not necessarily define your entire career. If you have a strong foundation, curiosity, and a willingness to learn, you can successfully transition into new fields and discover opportunities you may never have imagined.
What were some of the key influences that led you to an offbeat, unconventional and unusual career in Biomass Research?
The strongest influence in my life was my mother. She showed me through her own life how education can create opportunities and provide financial freedom. Her dedication as a teacher inspired me to work hard and believe in myself.
My decision to pursue a career in research and renewable energy was shaped by the people and experiences that influenced me throughout my life.
My earliest inspirations were my mother and grandmother, both of whom were teachers. They taught me the importance of education, hard work, financial independence, and self-confidence.
Growing up, I saw how their careers gave them the ability to support their families and make a positive impact on society. This inspired me to believe that education could open doors to opportunities and help me build a meaningful career.
My father has always been my biggest supporter. No matter how small my achievements were, he celebrated them with pride. His confidence in me gave me the courage to aim higher and believe in my abilities.
Another important influence in my life has been my husband. He has always encouraged me to dream bigger and never limit my ambitions. Whenever I doubted myself, he reminded me that I was capable of achieving much more than I imagined. His constant support gave me the confidence to pursue opportunities that seemed challenging at first.
As I progressed in my academic and professional journey, I was guided by experienced mentors and leaders who helped me navigate challenges and grow as a scientist. Their guidance taught me the importance of patience, critical thinking, and perseverance. Working in a supportive environment where ideas are valued has further strengthened my passion for research and innovation.
Moving to Germany in April 2021 was one of the most important decisions of my life. It challenged me to step out of my comfort zone, adapt to a new culture, and pursue my dreams on an international level.
The first turning point was deciding to pursue higher studies abroad. The second turning point was joining the Master’s program in Biomass Technology at the Technical University of Munich. There I discovered my passion for renewable energy and sustainability.
The third turning point was completing my master’s thesis at DBFZ, where I realized that scientific research could be used to solve real-world energy and environmental challenges.
Can you talk about your master’s thesis?
My master’s thesis focused on developing efficient biogas cookstoves for household cooking applications.
The main challenge is that biogas quality is not always the same. Depending on the source, the methane content can vary significantly. When the gas quality changes, the flame behavior, efficiency, and safety of the cookstove can also change. Many existing biogas stoves are not optimized to handle these variations efficiently.
The goal of my research was to understand how different biogas compositions affect combustion and to identify the best burner design and operating conditions for efficient cooking. To do this, I designed and tested different burner geometries and studied how factors such as methane content, air-fuel ratio, gas flow rate, and burner-to-pot distance influenced flame stability and heating efficiency.
One of the interesting parts of the work was designing and testing three different burner configurations to identify which design transferred heat most efficiently to the cooking pot. The results helped identify an optimized burner design and operating conditions that could improve cooking efficiency and make biogas cookstoves more practical for real-world use.
What I enjoyed most about this project was that it combined engineering, sustainability, laboratory experiments, and real-world impact. The research was not just about understanding combustion scientifically, it was about developing cleaner and more efficient cooking solutions that could potentially improve energy access and reduce environmental impacts in communities that use biogas for cooking.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Tell us about your career path.
My approach was simple:
1. Build a strong technical foundation.
2. Explore areas that interest me.
3. Gain practical research experience.
4. Keep learning and improving my skills.
5. Look for opportunities where my work could create real impact.
Step 1: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering
My engineering studies taught me problem-solving, analytical thinking, and technical fundamentals.
Step 2: Master’s Degree in Biomass Technology
I wanted to work on sustainable technologies, so I chose a master’s program focused on renewable energy and biomass utilization.
During this period, I learned:
• Energy process engineering
• Sustainability assessment
• Environmental economics
• Biomass utilization
• Technology management
• Research methodologies
Step 3: Exchange Studies in Austria
At BOKU University, I gained international exposure and learned about sustainability, circular economy, laboratory research, and scientific communication.
Step 4: Master’s Thesis at German Biomass Research Center
I worked on developing and testing biogas cookstove burners.
My responsibilities included:
• Designing experiments
• Testing burner performance
• Analyzing combustion behavior
• Improving efficiency
• Reducing emissions
This experience gave me hands-on research skills and helped me understand how research can solve practical problems.
Step 5: Research Scientist
After completing my master’s degree, I joined the German Biomass Research Center as a Research Scientist.
Today, I work on renewable energy technologies, combustion systems, biomass utilization, and sustainable material development.
Building relationships with professors, researchers, and colleagues helped me learn about opportunities and expand my knowledge. Networking played an important role in my career development.
How did you get your first break?
My first major break came through my master’s thesis opportunity at the German Biomass Research Center.
I had developed relevant knowledge during my master’s studies and actively looked for research opportunities. When the opportunity arose, I applied, demonstrated my interest and skills, and was selected.
The thesis allowed me to prove my abilities, which eventually helped me transition into a full-time research position.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
Challenge 1: Transitioning to a New Field
Moving from Civil Engineering to Biomass Technology meant learning many new concepts.
How I addressed it:
I spent extra time studying, asking questions, and continuously learning from professors and researchers.
Challenge 2: Studying Abroad
Moving to Germany and Austria meant adapting to a new culture, education system, and language.
How I addressed it:
I remained open-minded, improved my communication skills, and gradually adapted to the new environment.
Challenge 3: Research Uncertainty
In research, experiments do not always work as expected.
How I addressed it:
I learned to be patient, analyze problems carefully, and keep improving my methods until I found solutions.
Where do you work now?
I currently work as a Research Scientist at the German Biomass Research Center (DBFZ) in Leipzig, Germany.
What problems do you solve?
I work on developing sustainable energy solutions. My research focuses on Biomass utilization, Biogas technologies, Combustion systems and Sustainable materials
The goal is to improve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Biomass refers to any organic material that comes from plants, animals, or biological waste and can be used as a renewable source of energy. Yes, agricultural residues are one of the most common examples and are very much part of the circular economy concept.
For example, after harvesting crops, materials such as rice straw, wheat straw, corn stalks, sugarcane bagasse, coconut shells, or even animal manure are often considered waste. Instead of burning or disposing them, they can be converted into useful energy and products.
One example is biogas production. Animal manure, food waste, and agricultural waste can be fed into a biogas plant, where microorganisms break down the organic matter in the absence of oxygen. This produces biogas, which mainly contains methane and can be used for cooking, heating, electricity generation, or even upgraded to biomethane and used as a vehicle fuel.
What makes biomass particularly interesting is that it supports a circular economy. Instead of treating agricultural residues or organic waste as something to throw away, we can convert them into valuable energy and products, reducing waste and reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.
A simple example would be a dairy farm. The manure produced by the cows can be used in a biogas plant to generate gas for cooking or electricity. The remaining digestate can then be returned to the fields as fertilizer. In this way, waste becomes a resource, creating a circular system.
This is one of the reasons I became interested in Biomass Technology,it sits at the intersection of renewable energy, waste management, sustainability, and climate protection, and it offers practical solutions to some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges.
What skills are needed for this job? How did you acquire them?
Important skills include Problem solving, Scientific research, Data analysis, Communication, Teamwork and Experimental design
I acquired these skills through university studies, research projects, internships, laboratory work, and practical experience.
What is a typical day like?
A typical day may include:
• Planning experiments
• Conducting laboratory tests
• Analyzing data
• Reading scientific papers
• Writing reports
• Discussing results with colleagues
• Developing new research ideas
Every day is different, which makes the work exciting.
What do you love about this job?
I enjoy discovering new knowledge, conducting experiments and solving real-world problems. It is rewarding to know that my work contributes to cleaner energy and a more sustainable future.
How does your work benefit society?
My work helps develop cleaner and more efficient energy technologies.
Improved biomass and biogas systems can:
• Reduce pollution
• Improve energy access
• Support sustainable development
• Reduce dependence on fossil fuels
• Contribute to climate change mitigation
In simple terms, my work helps create a cleaner and healthier future for people and the environment.
Tell Us an Example of a Specific Memorable Work You Did That Is Very Close to You
One of the most memorable moments of my career happened recently when I received my first scientific award.
In February 2026, I was honored with the “Prize for Promotion of Young Scientists for an Innovative Project” from the Energy and Environment Foundation (Energie und Umwelt Stiftung) in Germany.
For me, this award was much more than a certificate or recognition. It represented years of hard work, moving to a new country, adapting to a new academic system, overcoming challenges, and believing in my dreams.
As someone who came from a small town in India and arrived in Germany with big ambitions, receiving this award showed me that dedication and perseverance can lead to meaningful achievements.
It was also a proud moment for my family, especially my mother and grandmother, who always encouraged me to pursue education and build an independent future.
This award motivates me to continue working on innovative solutions in renewable energy and sustainability and reminds me that every challenge along the journey was worth it.
Your Advice to Students Based on Your Experience
One lesson I have learned is that no one succeeds completely alone.
Find people who inspire you, learn from their experiences, and do not be afraid to ask for guidance. A good mentor can help you avoid mistakes, learn faster, and see opportunities that you may not notice on your own.
At the same time, surround yourself with people who genuinely support your growth. I have been fortunate to have mentors, colleagues, friends, and family members who encouraged me to pursue my goals. Their support helped me continue moving forward even when things were difficult.
Most importantly, believe in your own potential. Sometimes other people may see strengths in you before you see them yourself. Listen to those who encourage you to grow and challenge yourself to dream bigger than you think possible.
Coming from a small town in India, I never imagined that one day I would study in Europe, become a Research Scientist in Germany, and receive a Young Scientist Award. These achievements became possible because of education, hard work, perseverance, and the support of people who believed in me.
So, my message to students is simple: Dream big, work consistently, keep learning, and never underestimate what you are capable of achieving.
Future Plans ?
My goal is to continue building my career as a scientist and contribute to the development of sustainable energy technologies that can benefit society and protect the environment.
I want to continue conducting impactful research, collaborate with experts from around the world, and develop solutions that support the global transition toward cleaner energy.
Another important goal is to inspire young students, especially girls from small towns, to believe that they can achieve their dreams regardless of where they come from.
If a small-town girl from Kerala can move to Germany, complete two master’s degrees, become a Research Scientist, and receive a young scientist award, then many other students can achieve their dreams too.
I believe that education, perseverance, and self-confidence can open doors to opportunities that may seem impossible at first.