Six students win Young Algae Researcher Awards

In Colorado, Six student scientists were presented with the first Young Algae Researcher Awards, in Denver, for their contributions to fields of algae biology and engineering. 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. 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:  Beth Rasala, University of California San Diego, Development of molecular genetic tools for algae biotechnology.

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

3rd 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:

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

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

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