4 minutes with…Robert Fanick, Manager, Southwest Research Institute

Tell us about your organization and it’s role in the advanced bioeconomy.

SwRI offers alternative fuels capabilities in a comprehensive approach to resolve technical challenges. The center assists clients in exploring, developing and evaluating current and assists clients in exploring, developing and evaluating current and future alternative fuels from source, through production, to real-world use.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

With more than 60 years of experience in automotive research and development, SwRI is recognized as an international expert in
research, development and testing of alternative fuels such as shale oil, biofuels and synthetic paraffins. The staff blends field
experience, engineering and chemistry expertise with design and fabrication capabilities to offer an interdisciplinary approach to
fuel-related services.
Our capabilities span the needs of companies at all stages of product development, from initial process development, to final fleet
testing of production fuels, and include:
+Alternative Fuel Research and Development
+Test Fuel Formulation
+Fuel Properties
+Fuel Registration Programs
+Field Testing and Evaluation
+Emissions and Vehicle Performance
+Analysis
+Screening Test Development

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?

Emissions, Fuel cost, Optimization of fuel production

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the advanced bioeconomy, what would you change?

More funding, More research

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the advanced bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you?

This industry is needed to reduce emissions and extend fuel supplies for the future.

Where are you from?

Texas

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?

Be tenacious

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry?

active sports, gardening, travel

What 3 books would you take to read, if stranded on a desert island?

The Disappearing Spoon
Any book by Dan Brown
Any book by Michael Crichton

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?

New Orleans, San Francisco, San Antonio, Long Beach