Departmental Seminar

I have had the privilege of working at three innovative companies focused on advancing algae-based technologies for biofuels, foods and nutraceuticals, and, adjacent, CO2 direct-air-capture. This presentation provides an overview of each company’s mission, a snapshot of the noteworthy science conducted, and the challenges associated with commercializing new technologies and products from algae.

My career in industry began at Algenol Biofuels, where I led teams in developing a novel photoreactor platform and cultivation practices to produce ethanol biofuels. These technologies were later adapted to produce phycocyanin, a natural blue colorant from cyanobacteria, and a cosmetic product derived from Porphyridium.

I then joined Global Thermostat, where I led the engineering efforts to build their first commercial CO2 direct-air-capture (DAC) module, with a capacity of 2,000 metric tons of CO2 per year. This module was a key milestone in their mission to reverse climate change, and I will discuss this goal within the broader context of the magnitude of global climate challenges.

Currently, my role at Zivo Bioscience is to build and commission an algae farm in Ica, Peru. The plant produces a new food from the alga Klebsormidium, and the product has recently gone on sale under the brand Zivolife. Finally, my overarching career goal has been to develop a comprehensive algae production model that integrates processes from various marine science disciplines—ranging from algae photosynthesis and community ecology to marine and freshwater chemistry and the physics that underlie large-scale algae production. Throughout the talk, I will highlight the opportunities and risks inherent in working within the high pace of new technology industry.