Prof. Dr. Ramiro Escudero García | Mineral Processing and Treatment of Effluents Contaminated with Heavy Metals | Excellence in Scientific Innovation Award
Professor-Researcher at Michoacan University of San Nicolas de Hidalgo, Mexico
Dr. Ramiro Escudero García is a distinguished academic and researcher with a robust background in metallurgical and materials engineering. He currently holds the position of Chief Professor in the Extractive Metallurgy Department at the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH), Mexico. With a professional career bridging both academic and industrial sectors, he combines rich experience in teaching, research, and practical engineering. Dr. Escudero earned his Ph.D. in Mineral Engineering from McGill University, Canada, following his engineering and master’s education in Mexico. His multidisciplinary expertise spans mineral processing, phytomining, biomining, wastewater treatment, and gas disperser design, demonstrating a deep commitment to sustainable and innovative engineering solutions. With a prolific academic output, he has authored around 150 publications, including books and chapters, and contributed significantly to the training of graduate students by directing numerous master’s and doctoral theses. As an active member of various scientific bodies including TMS, AMIDIQ, and the Ibero-American Extractive Metallurgy Network, he continues to influence the field regionally and internationally. His involvement in editorial boards of prestigious international journals further illustrates his commitment to advancing research standards and disseminating cutting-edge knowledge in metallurgical engineering.
Profile
Education
Dr. Ramiro Escudero García has pursued a rigorous and internationally recognized academic path in the field of engineering. He began his academic career by earning an undergraduate degree in engineering, followed by a Master of Science with specialization likely centered around metallurgy or chemical engineering, reflecting his professional focus. He later advanced his education with a Ph.D. in Mineral Engineering from McGill University in Canada—one of the leading institutions globally in mining and materials research. This doctoral program provided him with an in-depth understanding of complex metallurgical processes and the ability to design solutions tailored for the challenges of extractive metallurgy. The international exposure at McGill enabled him to engage with state-of-the-art methodologies and cross-cultural research environments, significantly enriching his scientific approach. His educational foundation is directly aligned with his later academic contributions, especially in mineral processing and sustainable metallurgy. It also formed the base for his subsequent involvement in computational modeling, gas disperser design, and environmental engineering applications. The solid academic training received from highly regarded institutions has positioned Dr. Escudero as a thought leader in the materials and metallurgical engineering domains, enabling him to contribute meaningfully to academic development and applied industrial processes.
Professional Experience
Dr. Escudero has cultivated a dynamic professional portfolio, marked by significant contributions to both industry and academia. Early in his career, he worked for five years in the blast furnace department of a steelmaking plant in Mexico. This industrial experience provided him with invaluable insights into large-scale metallurgical operations, complementing his academic knowledge with real-world applications. Upon transitioning to academia, he joined the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo (UMSNH), where he currently serves as the Chief Professor in the Department of Extractive Metallurgy. Simultaneously, he is a senior researcher at the Institute of Research in Metallurgy and Materials within UMSNH. His work here bridges teaching, research, and mentorship. Over the years, he has taken on the responsibility of supervising numerous master’s and doctoral theses, helping shape the next generation of engineers and scientists. He is also an active member of national and international scientific organizations and serves on editorial boards for various scholarly journals. His experience spans strategic research planning, execution of government and industry-sponsored projects, and participation in academic leadership roles, making him a key figure in Mexico’s scientific and technological landscape in metallurgical sciences.
Research Interest
Dr. Escudero’s research interests are diverse yet interconnected, spanning both foundational science and applied engineering. His work centers on Mineral Processing, where he investigates the efficient separation and processing of mineral ores. He is also a leading voice in Phytomining and Biomining, exploring biological alternatives for metal recovery using plants and microorganisms, respectively—fields gaining traction due to their eco-friendly attributes. Another key focus area includes Wastewater Treatment, in which he examines techniques to purify and reuse water in mining and industrial settings, reflecting a commitment to environmental sustainability. Additionally, Dr. Escudero is deeply involved in Gas Disperser Design through the use of computer simulators, integrating computational tools to enhance the performance of metallurgical reactors. His interdisciplinary approach links chemical engineering, biology, and environmental sciences with metallurgical engineering, allowing him to tackle complex problems from multiple scientific perspectives. These interests are not only intellectually driven but are also highly relevant to industrial needs, addressing both efficiency and sustainability. His research contributes to national development goals and international best practices in sustainable resource extraction and processing technologies.
Research Skills
Dr. Ramiro Escudero García possesses a wide range of advanced research skills that reflect his multidisciplinary expertise and innovative thinking. His technical strengths include simulation and modeling of gas-liquid systems in metallurgical reactors, a critical aspect of reactor design and performance optimization. He is highly proficient in using computer simulators to evaluate and enhance gas disperser designs, combining theoretical analysis with experimental validation. Dr. Escudero also excels in designing and executing pilot-scale and laboratory-scale experiments for mineral processing and environmental engineering applications. He has considerable expertise in analytical techniques relevant to metallurgy, such as ore characterization, metal recovery rate analysis, and fluid dynamics modeling. His skills extend into bioengineering methodologies, including microbial culturing for biomining processes and environmental bio-remediation. Additionally, he has a strong command of academic publishing, scientific communication, and data analysis, contributing to his prolific output of over 150 publications. His experience directing graduate theses further attests to his mentorship skills and ability to structure complex research projects. Through these diverse skills, Dr. Escudero integrates academic insight with real-world solutions, making him a well-rounded researcher in the field of extractive and environmental metallurgy.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Escudero’s distinguished career has earned him several prestigious recognitions, reflecting his impactful contributions to science and engineering. He is a proud member of Mexico’s National Research System (SNI), a highly selective program that acknowledges outstanding researchers across disciplines. His inclusion affirms the high quality, originality, and relevance of his scholarly work. He is also an active member of TMS (The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society) and AMIDIQ (Mexican Association for Research and Teaching in Chemical Engineering), prestigious organizations that promote excellence in the field of chemical and materials engineering. Notably, he is a founding member of the Ibero-American Extractive Metallurgy Network, signifying his role in shaping regional research agendas and collaborations. He also belongs to the Michoacán Academy of Sciences, a group of elite researchers contributing to regional scientific advancement. Beyond formal memberships, his role on editorial committees of various international journals highlights the academic community’s trust in his expertise. These affiliations and recognitions are a testament to his sustained excellence, leadership, and innovation in extractive metallurgy and related domains, and they underscore his influence as a respected figure in both national and international scientific circles.
Publications
Dr. Escudero is a highly prolific author, having published approximately 150 works, including peer-reviewed journal articles, conference papers, book chapters, and full-length books. His scholarly contributions reflect deep inquiry into topics such as mineral processing, biomining, phytomining, wastewater treatment, and computational modeling of gas dispersers. His works are widely cited and recognized in both academic and professional engineering communities, indicating the practical relevance and scientific rigor of his studies. Dr. Escudero has contributed chapters to collaborative scientific volumes and has also authored books, underscoring his ability to present complex content in an accessible and structured manner. He is often featured in international journals and conferences, sharing his findings and fostering dialogue with fellow researchers worldwide. His role on editorial boards further enables him to shape research quality and directions in the metallurgical field. In addition, his mentoring of numerous graduate students has led to co-authored publications, thereby extending his impact to emerging scholars. His publishing record not only demonstrates his research productivity but also his commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and developing sustainable technologies in extractive metallurgy and environmental engineering.
Conclusion
Dr. Ramiro Escudero García stands as a respected academic leader, blending robust industrial experience with a deep commitment to teaching, research, and scientific advancement. His career has been shaped by a solid educational foundation, international academic exposure, and meaningful industrial experience. Through his diverse research interests—ranging from mineral processing and phytomining to wastewater treatment and reactor design—he exemplifies a multidisciplinary approach essential for addressing global sustainability challenges. His research skills and publication record reflect a commitment to innovation, while his active involvement in scientific societies and editorial boards illustrates his leadership and influence. The numerous awards and recognitions he has received attest to the impact and relevance of his work. As a mentor, professor, and researcher at the Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo, Dr. Escudero continues to contribute to scientific excellence and shape the future of metallurgical and environmental engineering in Mexico and beyond. His academic profile serves as an exemplary model of dedication to sustainable science, collaborative growth, and intellectual leadership.