National Biodiesel Conference Invests in 'Next Generation' Scientists

Students earn scholarships to further biodiesel education at conference

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Feb. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Biodiesel Conference & Expo hosts some of the most prestigious biofuels scientists in the world.  This year, the biodiesel industry is also investing in tomorrow's scientists, helping to bring about 10 college students to the event, Feb. 6 – 9 in Phoenix.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100830/DC56543LOGO-b)

Evan Le, a senior studying mechanical engineering at the University of Nevada – Reno, was chosen by the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel to receive a full-ride scholarship to the conference.  

"As an aspiring Ph.D. student, this scholarship will be a great opportunity for me to expand my knowledge of biodiesel and enhance my skills, so that I can make a meaningful contribution to bioenergy research," Le said.

Led by the National Biodiesel Board, the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel formed to demonstrate and grow support for biodiesel.  Students from a wide variety of colleges and universities have signed a declaration of support for the fuel, which is America's first and only commercially available advanced biofuel.  

Le's scholarship is supported by the United Soybean Board and the soybean checkoff.  The Ohio Soybean Council has provided a partial scholarship to Qingshi Tu, a University of Cincinnati Environmental Engineering student.  The National Biodiesel Board has contributed partial scholarships to several other students, including the four co-chairs of the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel:

• Mikkel Leslie, Oregon State University (Environmental Engineering)
• Lucas Ellis, Dartmouth (Biochemical Engineering)
• Jason Strull, University of Nevada – Reno (Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering)
• Bernardo del Campo, Iowa State University (Biorenewable Resources and Technologies)

"These are the future scientists who will develop and improve energy solutions, and bringing them into the biodiesel community now is a small investment that could yield huge returns," said Don Scott, NBB director of sustainability.  "They have demonstrated an inspiring commitment to biodiesel, which promises to be here for decades to come."

The student scientists will meet with some leading biodiesel scientists at the conference, including NBB technical director Steve Howell; Bob McCormick of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory; Mike Haas of the USDA; and Gina Clapper of the American Oil Chemists' Society.  

SOURCE National Biodiesel Board