Bioeconomy Institute
The Iowa State University Bioeconomy Institute is a first-in-the-nation institute focused on advancing the bioeconomy while serving society. Established in 2007, we serve as the “front door” to biorenewables at Iowa State University. We provide resources and services for over 130 faculty and staff across the university as well as broad groups of stakeholders beyond. Our strengths include transdisciplinary collaboration, research and demonstration of processing systems and conversion technologies, and scaling biobased technologies and associated services toward commercialization of biobased products and associated services. We are located in the Biorenewables Research Laboratory, where we host state-of-the-art analytical facilities and instrumentation.
More about the Bioeconomy Institute
Bioeconomy Institute Highlights
Dr. Lisa Schulte Moore named Director
The leadership team also expands to include three new associate directors: Xianglan Bai, professor of mechanical engineering, Mark Mba Wright, professor of mechanical engineering, and Andy VanLoocke, associate professor of agronomy. Together, they are charting a new phase of growth for the institute.
New Slow-release Fertilizer Startup
Founded by Bioeconomy Institute principal scientist Dr. Santanu Bakshi and entrepreneur Kyle Anderson, Reform Bio is developing new technology that could help keep nitrogen fertilizers on farm fields out of waterways. Their technology is a stable, slow-release nitrogen fertilizer that feeds crops across an entire growing season.
Faces of Discovery: Dr. Mark Mba Wright
Dr. Mark Mba Wright, professor of mechanical engineering and newly appointed associate director of the Bioeconomy Institute, leads research that spans a wide range of technologies. His team works on everything from bio-manufactured aviation fuels to synthetic fibers made from environmentally friendly resources to electrochemical systems that use renewable energy to produce fuels and chemicals.
VanLoocke Looks for New Crops that 'Pencil Out'
Bioeconomy Institute's Dr. Andy VanLoocke is developing Miscanthus as a crop for the Midwest on lands where corn and soybeans don't 'pencil out.' Miscanthus is a high-yielding perennial grass that helps hold soil in place and has lower fertility needs than annual crops.
Bioeconomy Institute Supports New NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program
ISU faculty will train graduate students in the biological sciences, focusing on both basic biological research and more applied aspects of biology that build the bioeconomy.
Dr. Robert Brown joins National Academy of Engineering
Dr. Robert C. Brown is a new member of the National Academy of Engineering! Brown is recognized for engineering processes for controlled oxidation of lignocellulosic biomass and plastic wastes into low-carbon-footprint energy, fuels, and chemicals.