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Finger Lakes, Lewis & Clark Community Colleges Connect at NCERC

In May, Director of Biotechnology and Biomanufacturing at Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC) Dr. Jim Hewlett visited NCERC. During the visit, Jim toured NCERC's facilities and brainstormed ideas for future collaboration. NCERC and FLCC also connected with Lewis and Clark Community College (L&C) Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math Tom Steinman, and Assistant Professors of Industrial Electricity Jim Witt and Paul Keubrich.

The group also toured the L&C N.O. Nelson campus to learn about the Process Operations Technology program. The visit gave NCERC the opportunity to network with community colleges with the goal of building a larger workforce training program.

Site Acceptance Test for a New 100 L Bioreactor

In the last week of April, staff from ABEC visited NCERC to complete the site acceptance test for a new 100 L bioreactor in the Fermentation Suite. From ideation to installation, the acquisition process for the new bioreactor took two years and nearly a million dollars to complete, from part of a Wet Lab Expansion Grant provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Equal Opportunity.

"I know this equipment will open opportunities for NCERC to innovate new ways to treat biomass in the Fermentation Suite," said Process Design and Electrical Control Systems Engineer Terry Lash.

The Fermentation Suite is the bridge between the Fermentation Laboratory and the Pilot Plant. Equipped with pharmaceutical grade bioreactors sized from 30-1500 L and staffed by leading engineers and scientists with decades of experience in the biorenewables industry, it is the ideal environment for work immediately preceding full-scale piloting.

Learn more about the Fermentation Suite

NCERC Attends SIU System Day

In March, NCERC Interim Director Dr. Yan Zhang and Business Manager Barb Randle traveled to the Illinois State Capitol for Southern Illinois University System Day. Students, faculty, and campus leaders shared information about the innovative research, teaching, and programs available across the SIU System.

NCERC showcased our unique position to pursue self-initiated research while also serving clients and providing students with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the biofuel industry.

NCERC Staff Visits Milipore Sigma Site

In February, Millipore Sigma invited NCERC staff to tour their facility in St. Louis. During our visit, Dr. Yan Zhang, Terry Lash, Dr. Mingjun Ma, and Dr. Jie Dong gave presentations to introduce NCERC to other group leads at MilliporeSigma. This allowed NCERC to network and expand the reach of the center to local companies.

NCERC Hosts IDCEO and IL Corn Marketing Board Members along with SIU System President

In January, NCERC hosted the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity's Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Technology Lead Kristi Dula and Illinois Corn Board's Director of Biofuels and Research Dave Loos to display NCERC's progress of utilizing the Wet Lab Expansion Grant. NCERC has been busy updating the Fermentation Suite and wanted to showcase new equipment.

SIU System President Dan Mahony, Director of Governmental Affairs John Charles, along with NCERC clients from Elemental Enzymes and Bluestem were in attendance to discuss future plans and have open conversation about state funding that could assist NCERC, our clients, and the SIU system as a whole.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

Celebrating Terry Lash

Longtime staff member Terry Lash has retired after 20 years of service to NCERC. Terry joined NCERC in 2004 as a pilot plant engineer before construction was finished on the facility. He played an instrumental role in the center's development by leveraging his past experience in the oil industry and agriculture biotechnology industry to acquire state-of-the-art equipment, design and improve processing optimize data acquisition, and attract clients.

"It wasn't about the money for me," recalled Terry. "I wanted to be a part of a new company's development, to build something from the ground up. I like to work on new things with clients, understand it, build it, and then keep moving forward."

Over the years, Terry contributed to countless successes for NCERC. He is proudest of securing and installing the new 100L bioreactor in the Fermentation Suite this year. We are grateful for everything Terry accomplished during his years at NCERC and wish him the best in his retirement.

Do you know any recent graduates looking for real industry experience? NCERC is searching for recent graduates from an Associates, Bachelors, or Masters program to be Visiting Research Fellows in the Laboratory and Fermentation Suite. Fellows will gain nine months of hands-on experience that will set them up for success in their careers. Please share these opportunities with your networks!

Laboratory Visiting Research Fellow

Fermentation Suite Visiting Research Fellow

Welcome Robert Arnold and Rebecca Damuth

This year, NCERC welcomed two new additions to our staff. Robert Arnold started in February as the office support specialist. He assists in ensuring the center runs smoothly through performing various administrative tasks.

In April, Rebecca Damuth joined as the publicity promotion associate. She improves NCERC's communications by developing marketing materials, assisting with client relations, managing an online presence, and representing NCERC at events. We are excited to welcome both to the NCERC team!

RESEARCH UPDATES

Sorghum to Ethanol

With support from Sorghum Checkoff Program who has provided sorghum samples, NCERC is in the process of evaluating including sorghum in the corn-to-ethanol processing in April and May 2024. NCERC intends to present the results at upcoming conferences as well as publish a data set that will be accessible to the public.