Dr. Victor Ujor and Dr. Thaddeus Ezeji have been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant for a project entitled "Developing second-generation hyper-producers of butanol from biomass by activating dormant pathways.” The total award amount is $318,902.00 for three years. The first year award amount is $95,779.00.
Renewable production of fuels and chemicals is growing. One strategy involves producing fuels and chemicals using microbes. Unfortunately, these chemicals often exert toxic effects on microorganisms at high concentrations. Butanol is one example of this. It has excellent properties as a transportation fuel. At high concentrations, it poisons the microbes that produce it. The central goal of the project is to enhance the ability of butanol-producing bacteria to withstand high concentrations of butanol. Undergraduate and graduate students will receive hands-on research training and mentorship. International outreach will focus on delivering a course on biofuels production in Nigeria. These experiences should prepare the students for successful careers in a global workforce.
Dr. Ejezi is an associate professor of animal sciences and is located on the CFAES Wooster Campus.