PMBC News
Freshwater Algae as Feedstocks for Biofuels
(June 2010) Scott Grayburn and Gabriel Holbrook have recently started a project evaluating freshwater algae as feedstocks for biofuels. One aspect, supported by an NIU Foundation Venture Grant, involves utilizing existing algae growing in wastewater at the Rock River Water Reclamation District. Starting in July 2010, there is also a new 12 month DOE- funded collaboration with the NIU College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. The goal is to produce batches of biodiesel from microalgae for testing in a Diesel engine set up for analysis of power output and exhaust emissions. The work offers exciting and timely opportunities for NIU undergraduate and graduate students to contribute to research into locally-produced “green” fuels from algae.
Splendor in the grass - and mystery, too
NIU biologist part of team publishing in Science (May 3, 2010)
Edwards, Erika J., Colin P. Osborne, Caroline A. E. Stromberg, Stephen A. Smith, and C4Grasses Consortium (in alphabetical order) William J. Bond, Pascal-Antoine Cristin, Asaph B. Cousins, Melvin R. Duvall, David L. Fox, Robert P. Freckleton, Oula Ghannoum, James Hartwell, Yongsong Huang, Christine M. Janis, Jon E. Keeley, Elizabeth A. Kellogg, Alan K. Knapp, Andrew D. B. Leakey, David M. Nelson, Benjamin H. Passey, Jeffery M. Saarela, Rowan F. Sage, Osvaldo E. Sala, Nicholas Salamin, Christopher J. Still, and Brett Tipple. 30 April 2010. The evolutionary origins of C4 Grasslands. Science 328: 587-591.
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New Course - Fall 2010
BIOS 493/700 - Special Topics in Plant Stress >> More Information -
Spring 2010 - Undergraduate Opportunities for Plant Biology Research
The NIU Plant Molecular Biology Center is offering special opportunities for Undergraduate Independent Studies in Plant Stress Biology. Gain valuable research experience in molecular biology, recombinant DNA technology, biochemical and physiological techniques. Students can sign up for 2 or 3 Credit hours of Independent Study BIOS 370, BIOS 495, or university honors BIOS 499. Time commitment: 6-9 hours per week. Unofficial transcript needed.
>> Learn more about it.
For more information, contact:
Dr. Thomas Sims, PMBC Director
Northern Illinois University
342 Montgomery Hall
DeKalb, IL 60115-2861
815-753-7817 telephone
815-753-7855 FAX