Danforth Scientist Featured in Bank of America Commercial

Dr. Jim Umen, member of the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Institute for Renewable Fuels at the Danforth Center, is featured in the below Bank of America commercial that’s currently airing nationwide. The commercial focuses on how researchers, entrepreneurs, and bankers share a vision and foster the algal biofuel industry that is expanding worldwide.

 To view the commercial, click here.

At the Enterprise Institute, scientists  are researching and developing new and sustainable methods of creating next-generation biofuels from nonfood crops such as camelina, switchgrass and algae that someday could be used to power cars, trucks and aircraft, reducing both environmental impact and the nation’s dependence on foreign fuel sources.

Dr. Umen’s lab at the Danforth Center is dedicated to understanding the cell biology of green algae and how they can be modified and harnessed as a crop for production of liquid transportation biofuel. Dr. Umen’s lab and research team at the Enterprise Institute have recently custom designed and built a state-of-the-art algae growth facility featuring computer-controlled LED lighting and environmental systems that can be optimized to support the growth requirements of almost any algal species. This one of a kind facility allows Institute researchers to do more precise experiments that are not possible with conventional growth chambers.

Dr. Umen stated, “Algae is a prime alternative to study since it doesn’t compete with crop land for food production. You can grow algae in areas that are incapable of supporting crops such as deserts or areas with poor soil.”

To view the full article, click here.