Leadership Team
Steve Benson, Ph.D.
President
Dr. Benson is President of Microbeam and has more than 40 years of professional experience on inorganic constituents in fuels, impacts of fuel impurities on combustion and gasification system performance, control of mercury and trace elements in combustion and gasification systems, carbon dioxide capture methods, scanning electron microscopy analysis, rare earth element measurement and recovery and computer modeling.
Dr. Benson has extensive experience in managing complex multi-disciplined projects for industry and for various federal and state departments and agencies. He is a member of several professional organizations and has written or co-written over 200 publications.
Dr. Benson holds a PhD degree from the Pennsylvania State University in Fuel Science.
Alex Benson
Chief Operating Officer
As Chief Operating Officer at Microbeam, Alex focuses on strategic execution, cross-functional collaboration, and client partnerships and agreements. He oversees the day-to-day operations and works with team members to ensure efficient execution of projects and quality delivery of products to clients. At Microbeam, Alex has specialized in projects related to the detection, extraction and sorting of critical minerals. This includes projects funded through government grants and commercial entities. Prior to joining Microbeam, Alex held Engineering and Operations Management roles in the medical device industry, where he led the development, commercialization, and operation of multiple manufacturing processes and plants.
Alex Benson has an B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of St. Thomas.
Shuchita Patwardhan
Director of Technology
As Director of Technology at Microbeam, Shuchita leads the development and implementation of cutting-edge energy technology solutions that drive innovation and business growth. She spearheads research initiatives focused on fuel and plant optimization, advanced modeling techniques, and the integration of AI-based solutions to enhance power plant efficiency and reduce environmental impacts.
Shuchita holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and a master’s degree in environmental engineering, with over 11 years of experience in the energy sector. She has received funding from the U.S. Department of Energy and industry partners for high-impact projects and is committed to fostering a culture of innovation. Her passion lies in solving complex energy challenges through technology and collaboration, always aiming to improve operational efficiency and sustainability.
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