U of I Faculty Member Gets $750K to Study Biofuels

In Idaho, University of Idaho College of Natural Resources (CNR) Assistant Professor Tara Hudiburg was awarded $750,000 to study the sustainability of biofuels. The grant, award by the Department of Energy (DOE), is part of a $104 million project to create a new generation of sustainable, cost-effective bioproducts and bioenergy.

Hudiburg is a co-principal investigator and will lead the biogeochemical modeling as part of the sustainability initiative of the project. Biogeochemical modeling includes assessment of greenhouse gases, improving predictions of future crop yields and determining the impacts of different cropping systems on soil health, biodiversity and water quality.

“This project will advance the energy security of the U.S. while examining the economic sustainability and environmental impact of a bio-based economy,” Hudiburg said. “We are taking a holistic approach to help improve U.S. energy supply and reduce environmental impacts. I am grateful and excited to represent the University of Idaho as one of the investigators and be part of such a large and talented multi-disciplinary group.”