Janae is investigating two strains of algae as a source for biodiesel.  The issues revolving around fossil fuels (climate change, national security, and fuel shortages) have led to a concerted effort to advance renewable energy alternatives.  Biodiesel is one piece to the puzzle to shift our dependence off oil.  Algae as a biomass has a significantly higher oil yield than traditional oil feedstocks, such as corn and soybeans.  The objective of Janae’s research is to optimize both the biomass yield and oil content of the two strains of algae through manipulations of growth conditions.  These growth conditions will provide design parameters for a bioreactor system that will harvest algae for biodiesel production. 

Janae got a BS in Chemical Engineering from Ohio University with the intentions of pursuing air quality.  Janae has always been inspired by environmental preservation.  Previous research has included a suspended algae bioreactor for carbon dioxide sequestration in a WERC environmental design contest and atmospheric research under Dr. Valerie Young to determine hydrocarbon emissions of algae.  The combination of biological systems and engineering has been a constant in her research.  Next year, Janae intends to pursue a PhD program in Environmental Engineering and continue this type of research.  

Biofules Research