PNNL, WSU to advance biomass research in new facility

At BSEL, WSU students will also have the opportunity to test new ideas and skills in a real-world environment, preparing them for careers in science. The facility is designed to provide maximum interaction between students and national laboratory researchers, industry and faculty. Many PNNL researchers will teach classes, and students will have access to state-of-the art research equipment.

“One of the goals of education—and a goal that Washington State University takes quite seriously—is to provide students with the tools, knowledge and experience they need to make an impact on solving regional and national problems,” said Elson Floyd, president of Washington State University. “This facility and the ongoing collaboration with PNNL is a significant step toward equipping the next generation of workers to help solve national problems, such as dependence on imported oil and increasing carbon emissions.”

The state of Washington, led by Gov. Christine Gregoire, was instrumental in securing funding for BSEL through the university system and providing support for the hiring of world-class researcher Birgitte Ahring to lead the interdisciplinary center.

Ahring is an internationally recognized microbiologist with a diverse background that includes public-private partnerships, academic and industrial collaboration, high-level research and a passion for educating others. She will serve as director of the Center for Bioproducts and Bioenergy at WSU and as a Battelle Distinguished Professor.

Ahring received her Ph.D. in microbiology in 1986 from the University of Copenhagen. She is founder and chief executive officer of BioGasol, an engineering and technology company that designs and develops technologies for second generation bioethanol production.

Mike Kluse, laboratory director at PNNL noted, “BSEL is more than just a building. It’s a facility that gives researchers and students access to the best equipment to help tackle some of our country’s greatest needs.”