by 
Awards recognize outstanding research in algal biology and engineering
SAN DIEGO, Calif. – October 1, 2014 – Six student scientists were presented with the third annual Young Algae Researcher Awards today for their contributions to fields of algae biology and engineering at the 2014 Algae Biomass Summit, the official conference of the Algae Biomass Organization (ABO).
The awards are presented at the world’s largest gathering of algae industry and academic leaders and recognize outstanding research projects by early-career scientists that are finding new ways to use algae to create a range of renewable fuels, fertilizers, plastics and other products. The students presented their ideas via posters which were featured in the Summit’s exhibit hall.
More than 120 posters were accepted this year, representing a wide variety of technologies and research projects. A panel of 6 judges evaluated the posters based on six key criteria: presentation, methodology, data analysis, poster integrity and the presentation of the poster by the presenter him or herself.
“Congratulations to each of these young and ambitious scientists,” said Matt Carr, Executive Director of the Algae Biomass Organization. “The ideas and research they are presenting today will become the technologies, products and companies of tomorrow. We look forward to seeing them continue to make progress. ”
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:
- 1st Prize: Wilson Mendoza, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC – San Diego (Mendoza won first place in the biology category at the 2013 Algae Biomass Summit in Orlando, Florida)
- 2nd Prize: Alexander Zevin, Arizona State University
- 3rd Prize: Niu Du, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC- San Diego
For outstanding research in algae engineering, the awards went to:
- 1st Prize: Pavlo Bohutskyi, Johns Hopkins University (Bohutskyi received the third place algae engineering award at the 2013 Algae Biomass Summit)
- 2nd Prize: Bhavish Patel, Imperial College London
- 3rd Prize: Peter Schnurr, University of Toronto
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 #ABS14. Next year’s Summit will be held in Washington, D.C.
About the Algae Biomass Organization
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.
Products made from algae are the natural solution to the energy, food, economic, and climate challenges facing our world today. Algae have the power to simultaneously put fuels in our vehicles, recycle CO2, provide nutrition for animals and people and create jobs for millions of Americans. More information can be found at www.allaboutalgae.com.
