The Algae Biomass Organization is saddened to announce the passing of a long-time algae advocate: Val Smith. Val was a professor in the Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology at the University of Kansas for over 20 years. His time at the institution was punctuated by countless initiatives, papers and instruction on aquatic ecology, biofuels and the ecology of infectious disease.
Val was dedicated to research in the field of algae in particular: he supported the development of algae biofuels as part of the the University’s Feedstock to Tailpipe Initiative, was a key organizer and participant of the annual Algae Biomass Summit and was recognized routinely for his research on the topic. He will be sorely missed and remembered as a dynamic speaker, a great teacher and an engaging intellect.