The NCERC at SIUE: Advancing Biofuels Research

Director's Notes - Archives

October, 2009

Hello All,
I hope this message finds each and every one of you doing well.

Here is a weekly glimpse of what October 2009 had in store:
October 5 – 9: The week was highlighted by interviews of the NCERC staff by Ethanol Producer Magazine, along with hosting meetings for couple of our most supportive industry members. On Monday October 5, John Caupert (Director), Terry Lash (Research Engineer) and Steve Ward (Research Engineer) were interviewed by Ethanol Producer Magazine for a feature article on digital instrumentation in an ethanol plant. Thank you to our good friends (supporters) from Siemens Corporation for providing the opportunity to NCERC to be interviewed by Ethanol Producer Magazine.

October 12 - 16: Brian Wrenn (Research Director) was chosen by ASABE to be a featured speaker at their conference in Bellevue, WA. This marks the second occasion Brian Wrenn, along side Kurt Rosentrater (USDA/ARS), were selected by ASABE to present at the ASABE conferences. Tuesday October 13th and Wednesday October 14th Frank Romano (Director of Operations) represented the NCERC in meetings on the campus of Western Illinois University discussing the benefits of the NCERC Internship / Externship program. A program by which the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs (IIRA) has verbally committed nearly $250,000 in future Externship funds. Wednesday October 14th John Caupert (Director) met with collaborators on the recently completed “Greenjobs Training Initiative” to discuss evaluations as well as opportunities for future collaborative training grant proposals. Thursday October 15th John Caupert (Director) represented the NCERC in a State Energy Sector Partnership (SESP) meeting held by Director, of ILDCEO in Chicago, IL.

October 19 - 23: Tuesday October 20 – Thursday October 22, the NCERC conducted a three day training symposium focused on ethanol plant analytical technicians. I wish to extend a VERY sincere thank you to all persons involved, but in particular the following persons / companies:

Sabrina Trupia: Assistant Director Biological Research, NCERC………..Sabrina did an exemplary job assembling a training agenda which is soon to be the envy and inspiration of the entire biofuels industry. Each and every ethanol plant in the United States, and for that matter around the world, should send a minimum of one person to similar training courses we have planned for the future.

Kristi Moore: Director of Technical Services, RFA………..Kristi’s combination of working knowledge of the ethanol industry, complimented by her style of delivery, makes her one of the most sought after speakers for all training conducted by the NCERC. A very special “Thank You” to Bob Dinneen of RFA for always making his staff available to participate in NCERC training.

Tom Binder: ADM, while Tom was not able to be here in person, he had a member of his team attend. The result was one of the very best, if not THE BEST, training presentation ever conducted at the NCERC. The unwavering support of the NCERC by ADM (Tom Binder) is appreciated more than we can possibly express.

October 26 - 30: John Caupert (Director) attended / spoke / moderated at the 2nd Annual Ethanol Technology Commercialization conference held in Sioux Falls, SD. A thank you is extended to Myke Feinman of Biofuels Journal for organizing such a tremendous two day conference and inviting the participation of the NCERC.

Until next time, have a good, productive and safe month.

Regards,
John Caupert
Director, National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center
Phone: 618-659-6737 Ext 226
Email: jcaupert@ethanolresearch.com