Current projects

Biomara – Sustainable fuels from marine biomass

Within Biomara I am using multivariate culture trials to characterize the effects of physiochemical variability on photosynthetic efficiency, growth and lipid yields in a range of marine and freshwater microalgae. The aim is to critically evaluate the physiological suitability of different species for commercial scale microalgal biofuel production by defining optimal cultivation conditions for selected strains. While economically feasible microalgal biofuel production ultimately depends on the valorization of all components of the biomass produced (i.e. lipids, proteins, carbohydrates and novel residuals) the primary focus is on characterizing (both experimentally and theoretically) the basic productivity of selected strains and assessing the influence of commercial scale-up on final lipid yields. 

Past projects

• MOCHA (Monitoring Oregon’s Coastal Harmful Algae)
  

It is well documented that HABs are increasing in frequency, duration and toxicity worldwide and in future, will require more effective management strategies to mitigate negative health and economic impacts. The MOCHA project is concerned with the development and implementation of a coastwide monitoring program for the state of Oregon where the major algal toxins of interest are domoic acid, produced by the diatom genus Pseudo-nitzschia, and saxitoxin, produced by the dinoflagellate genus Alexandrium.  In collaboration with the State Department of Agriculture, the MOCHA group 1) worked to establish a coastwide volunteer network to enhance the spatiotemporal coverage of coastal sampling 2) used archived time-series data to develop mathematical models of seasonal HAB and toxin dynamics 3) developed an integrated online database streaming live toxin updates for shellfishery users and 4) explored the use of unique bio-optical signatures for use by coastal managers to remotely track coastal HABs. 

• Cellana LLC
  

My work involved the preparation of a proprietary desk study reviewing the physiological suitability of ~150 strains of marine microalgae for commercial scale algal biodiesel production.  Output was used to inform in-house strain selections and subsequent pilot scale studies for selected strains. 

Research grants

2006: US National Research Council Fellowship
2004: Irish Marine Institute R.T.D.I. Networking and Technology Transfer Grant