Denmark microbiologist to lead efforts to convert biomass into products.
An internationally recognized microbiologist will join Washington State University as the director of the Center for Bioproducts and Bioenergy and as the Battelle Distinguished Professor, based at WSU Tri-Cities.
Birgitte Ahring, currently a professor at The Technical University of Denmark, will lead WSU’s interdisciplinary center that will focus research and academic programming on the use and conversion of biomass into bioproducts and biofuels.
Governor lauds hiring
“This is another example of Washington leading the way on clean energy and scientific research,” said the state’s governor, Chris Gregoire. “Dr. Ahring’s scientific expertise will help our state develop bioproduct technologies that will drive innovation globally and job growth locally.”
Dr. Ahring will lead research conducted throughout the WSU system, but much of it will happen inside the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory, a 57,000-square-foot, $24.8 million facility opening this spring at WSU Tri-Cities. BSEL is a partnership with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and will include 10 jointly appointed scientists who will conduct cutting-edge research and development in bioenergy. PNNL is operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy.
BSEL will lead efforts in sustainability, clean energy
“The new Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory is a cornerstone of the efforts by our university and our state to take a leadership role in the areas of sustainability and clean energy,” said WSU President Elson S. Floyd.
Dr. Ahring is an internationally recognized authority in using anaerobic bacteria—bacteria that exists in an oxygen-free environment—to biodegrade waste.
She also is founder and chief executive officer of BioGasol, an engineering and technology company that designs and develops technologies for second generation bioethanol production. Her company is a partner in the Pacific Northwest’s first ethanol plant, which is funded with $24 million by the U.S. Department of Energy. This plant is being built in Boardman, Ore., about 70 miles southwest of WSU Tri-Cities.
Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory
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