ABO Blog

First place engineering awards for students at Colorado State University, UC San Diego 

DENVER –September 27, 2012 – Six student scientists were presented with the first Young Algae Researcher Awards today in Denver for their contributions to fields of algae biology and engineering on the final day of the 2011 Algae Biomass Summit, the official conference of theAlgal Biomass Organization (ABO).

The awards are presented at the world’s largest gathering of algae industry and academic leaders to recognize outstanding research projects by early-career scientists that are finding new ways to use algae to create a range of renewable fuel and chemical products, remediate polluted water and consume carbon dioxide.

A total of 26 applications and posters were received from U.S. and international students hailing from Canada, Qatar and the Netherlands.

“There were so many highly qualified applications it was hard to make a decision,” said David Levin, of the University of Manitoba. “The future is bright for our industry and our planet with so many young, brilliant and dedicated students.”

The Young Algae Research Awards are presented to winners for research conducted in two subject areas: biology and engineering.

For outstanding research in algae biology awards went to:

 1^st Prize:  Beth Rasala, University of California San Diego, Development of molecular genetic tools for algae biotechnology.

2^nd Prize: Justin Ungerer, National Renewable Energy Lab, Sustained photosynthetic conversion of CO₂ to ethylene in Synechocystis 6803.

3^rd Prize: Henri Gerken, AzCATI at Arizona State University, Advanced characteristics of Chorella vulgaris cell walls by enzymatic degradation.

For outstanding research in algae engineering awards went to:

1^st Prize:  Esteban Hincapie, Colorado State University, Design of a continuous flow algae harvesting devise: Ultrasonic property measurements and finite element analysis.

2^nd Prize:  Katerine Napan, Utah State University, Biodiesel production in combination with bioremediation of heavy metals from flue gas using microalgae.

3^rd Prize: Alex McCurdy, Utah State University, Biodiesel from algae, yeast, and bacteria: Engine performance and exhaust emissions

The Algae Biomass Summit concludes Thursday afternoon. Information on the event, including a full agenda is available at http://algaebiomasssummit.org.  Ongoing developments can also be monitored via the Twitter hashtag #ABS12. Next year’s Summit will be held in Orlando, Florida.

About the ABO

The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a 501 c(6) non-profit whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website:www.algaebiomass.org.

Organization Estimates Algae in Pool Could Be Used to Make More Than 1.5 Million Gallons of Low Carbon, Domestic Fuel per Year

WASHINGTON, DC –September 26, 2012 — The Algae Biomass Organization, the trade association for the U.S. algae industry, today urged the National Park Service to delay draining the algae in the Lincoln Memorial Pool. Algae contain oils, proteins and carbohydrates that can be converted into low carbon fuels, chemicals, animal feed and health food. Based on estimates, the pool could produce more than 1.5 million gallons of low carbon, domestic fuel per year if it was used exclusively for algae production.

“While we would never advocate using the Pool to produce algae full time, it is a highly visual reminder that the attributes of algae which frustrate consumers are the very same that make algae ideal as an industrial raw material,” said Mary Rosenthal, Executive Director of the Algae Biomass Organization. “Algae grow in a variety of places, multiply fast, and need only sunlight and CO2 to grow. Best of all, fuels made from algae work in existing engines with no modification.”

Currently more than 200 companies, labs, research institutions and entrepreneurs across the country are developing technologies to convert algae into fuels, feed and food. This week more than 750 industry leaders are showcasing breakthroughs in additional products, including paper, plastics and carpet fiber at the group’s 6th Annual Algae Biomass Summit.

With new production facilities planned or operating from Pennsylvania to New Mexico and from Florida to Hawaii, and many other places, algae-based fuels and other products are emerging as a new opportunity to create jobs and alternatives to imported fuel.

“We’re hard at work showing the world that algae will have a significant impact across many sectors of our economy, from chemicals and plastics, to health foods and nutraceuticals, to animal feed and renewable fuels,” said Rosenthal.

About the ABO
The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is a 501 c(6) non-profit whose mission is to promote the development of viable commercial markets for renewable and sustainable commodities derived from algae. Its membership is comprised of people, companies and organizations across the value chain. More information about ABO, including its leadership, membership, costs, benefits and members and their affiliations, is available at the website: www.algaebiomass.org .

Media Contact:
John Williams
Scoville PR for ABO
206-660-5503
jwilliams@scovillepr.com