Abstract

I work to train students for future bio-based industries and do research to address the needs of a specific enabling technology.

Issue

Our current national dependence on petroleum products for transportation fuels and other commodities is not sustainable in the long run. It is not good for the environment and is not politically or economically advantageous for the United States. A transition to the use of biologically-derived and hence renewable resources is critical to the long-term health of the planet and the positive advancement of our society. We need to produce graduates that can help develop the new industries that will enable this transition.

Response

In order to address this national issue, I have been part of a group of faculty at Cornell (SABBIC) that has worked toward making the Sun Grant Initiative a reality. One goal of this initiative is the creation of a Center for Excellence here at Cornell University to fund and catalyze basic research to rapidly move forward bio-based industries in our region. As part of this group I lead a new graduate seminar series entitled The Science and Engineering Challenges to the Development of Sustainable Bio-Based Industries. I have also incorporated some of these issues into my new undergraduate course, Engineering for a Sustainable Society, in order to better prepare our undergraduates for the challenges that lie ahead. I also initiated a research project to examine a potentially key nutritional issue in recirculating controlled environment agricultural systems. This technology has the potential to enable NYS producers to become competitive in markets previously unavailable to them and to enable the generation of new markets as plants become used as bioreactors to generate high-value enzymes or specialty chemicals.

Impact

Because of the courses that I have taught, both graduates and undergraduates in our program now have a better understanding of the need for and challenges faced by bio-based industries. With respect to my research in an enabling technology for the future of bio-based industry, we have revealed a potential problem with recirculating controlled environment agricultural systems with respect to the use of trace metal chelators to solubilize Fe in the hydroponic medium. Operators of the pilot-scale facility in Dryden NY are now aware of this issue and are continuing to investigate with us how to avoid potential problems.

Funding Sources

• Federal Formula Funds - Research (e.g., Hatch, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health)
• Other USDA (e.g., Water Quality, Special Grants, NRI)

Key Personnel

• Louis Albright, BEE
• Larry Walker, BEE