4 minutes with… Bart Carpenter, Technology Director, URS Corporation (now part of AECOM)

Tell us about your company and it’s role in the Advanced Bioeconomy.

AECOM has nearly 100k employees and is actively involved in a variety of green energy projects. Our depth allows us to provide comprehensive services from inception and planning to completion and start-up. We have experience with wind, solar, geothermal, cogen and biofuel/biochemical projects around the globe.

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

I help bioprocessing companies translate their science into practical engineering solutions using the best technology available. Oftentimes, our engineering expertise helps our clients make significant improvements to their core technology. I also help clients understand how to make their process more economically attractive.

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

The industry needs to produce meaningful volumes of cellulosic and advanced biofuels/biochemicals at a cost <2X the conventional alternative.

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

We really need to do a better job collaborating with each other if we want to create a breakthrough and a new, viable industry. In my opinion, the current model is not working very well.

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?  

I want to help create sustainable energy solutions and attractive jobs in the USA!

Where are you from? 

I grew up in Broomfield, CO, which used to be a bedroom community between Denver and Boulder. We had a Safeway, a Tastee Freez and a drive-in movie theater. It’s grown significantly since then, like most of the CO Front Range.

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway?

I received a BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder. If you’ve been to Boulder, you would know why I chose CU. The Chem E program is currently rated 14th in the nation. Go Buffs!  

Who do you consider your mentors – could be personal, business, or just people you have read about and admire. What have you learned from them?

The late Carl Spangler proved to be one of my best mentors early in my career. He jotted me a hand-written note when I transferred to another job which I saved. His advice included 1) Find out what your boss is trying to do and his objectives and then set your goals to help him achieve these goals in every possible way. 2)Enjoy your work. One very good way to do it is to develop friendships…it’s always fun to help your friends. 3)Be a good steward of your time and the company’s money. You will not keep your job or get promoted if you do not show an acceptable return on the efforts in which your are involved. 4) If you disagree with your boss, tell him about your problem with a smile and expect that the problem can be discussed in an objective manner. Either you will understand and agree with him or you will work out a suitable compromise. Do not let problems with your boss go unresolved.

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

Always keep things in perspective and never compromise your values. You’ll find the biggest problems are not really that big and you won’t have regrets down the road.

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

Music, fly fishing and a good bottle of red wine. A really good day includes all three. I also like to cook, especially Italian.

What are 3 books you’d want to have with you, if you were stranded on a desert island

Since music is my hobby more than reading, I’m going to ditch the books for CDs knowing I will have my iPod and mini solar panel with me. The short list includes “Blood on the Tracks” (Dylan), “Born to Run” (Springsteen) and Brahms solo piano music.

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?  

Blood and Thunder: The Epic Story of Kit Carson and the Conquest of the American West

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

My mom lives in San Luis Obispo, CA, a wonderful little college town in Central Coast, CA. Make sure you visit Montana De Orro State Park and attend the Thursday evening Farmers Market in downtown SLO.