Van der Made Bioprocess Advisory

Julian van der Made, PhD, is a fermentation and bioprocess engineer based in New York. He is currently Lead Engineer, USP at Helaina and previously served as Fermentation Engineer I and II. His doctoral work at Columbia University focused on waste and wastewater solutions, engineered bioprocesses, and operationalizing white rot fungal metabolism for oxidative degradation of lignin and recalcitrant aromatic pollutants. He also holds an MS in Earth and Environmental Engineering from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Cornell University. His background includes fermentation engineering, fungal systems, wastewater bioprocesses, wine fermentation, data science, Python, SQL, and machine learning.  

• Precision fermentation and upstream process development 
• Microbial and fungal production systems 
• White rot fungal metabolism 
• Wastewater and waste-stream bioprocesses 
• Lignin degradation and recalcitrant aromatic pollutants 
• Wine, food, and applied fermentation 
• Experimental planning and process-risk review 
• Data analysis, Python, SQL, machine learning, and technical data systems 
• AI-assisted workflows for scientific and operational decision-making

• Technical Concept Review: Pressure-test early ideas, scientific assumptions, feasibility, and development logic. 
• Fermentation & Bioprocess Strategy: Clarify roadmaps, experimental priorities, process architecture, and scale-up risks. 
• Technical Diligence: Independent review for founders, investors, and operators evaluating bio-based ventures or fermentation platforms. 
• Fractional Scientific Advisory: Ongoing senior technical support for teams not yet ready for a full-time fermentation or bioprocess leader. 
• Data & AI Strategy: Structure experimental and operational data so it supports better decisions, modeling, automation, and AI-assisted workflows. 

• Introductory Call: A short conversation to understand the project, stage, technical question, and advisory need. 
• Conflict & Fit Review: Each opportunity is reviewed for availability, confidentiality, and potential conflicts before any engagement is accepted. 
• Scope Definition: The work is framed around a clear question, decision, or deliverable. 
• Advisory Work: Julian provides direct technical review, strategic guidance, diligence support, or ongoing advisory depending on the engagement. 
• Decision Support: The goal is practical clarity: what is plausible, what is risky, what should be tested, and what needs to be understood before the next stage.

Availability is limited. All engagements are reviewed for fit, confidentiality, and potential conflicts. Julian does not accept work that conflicts with current professional obligations, confidential information, intellectual property, customer relationships, or commercial strategy.