Dr. Zengyi Shao, assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, has received the Iowa Energy Center Impact Award. It was presented as part of the recent Iowa Association for Energy Efficiency Iowa Energy Summit.
She was recognized in the category of Bioenergy for her work to make biomass conversion more efficient and the lasting effects it could have on the energy industry. Her work revolves around the use of biomass to create everyday products such as chemicals and plastics, which may help to reduce the country’s dependence on foreign fuel. Dr. Shao has also been the recipient of an Opportunity Grant from the Iowa Energy Center.
She also delivered a presentation at the meeting, entitled “Building a Highly Adaptable Microbial Consortium for Efficiency Business Utilization.”
The Iowa Energy Center has been actively serving Iowans since 1990. It supports economic development, environmental sustainability and social well-being in the state through energy innovation, education and entrepreneurship.