SIUE names an ethanol director
Callie Stilwell
Issue date: 5/22/02 Section: News
The new National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Pilot Plant has a director.
Rodney Bothast will begin his duties as director of the facility Aug. 1.
The $20 million ethanol plant is in University Park and is the first ethanol research facility of its kind.
Bothast worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 20 years researching ways to efficiently turn grain into fuel.
"He is one of the foremost scientists working on ethanol research," University Park Executive Director Brian Donnelly said.
Bothast earned a master's degree and doctorate in food microbiology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a bachelor of science degree in animal science from Ohio State University.
"He's an expert in fermentation technology, biochemical engineering and industrial microbiology," SIUE Public Affairs Director Keith Nichols said.
Bothast has produced more than 200 research publications, patents and technical reports.
"He brings ample qualifications to the facility," Donnelly said.
Bothast will be in charge of a small staff of eight to 10 people.
He will also be responsible for bringing in clients to rent the research plant and will be working to secure grants for the facility.
Research is aimed at reducing the cost of producing ethanol. Ethanol is a byproduct of corn and can be used as a gasoline additive.
Construction on the plant began Dec. 17. The plant is scheduled to open in January.
Rodney Bothast will begin his duties as director of the facility Aug. 1.
The $20 million ethanol plant is in University Park and is the first ethanol research facility of its kind.
Bothast worked for the U.S. Department of Agriculture for 20 years researching ways to efficiently turn grain into fuel.
"He is one of the foremost scientists working on ethanol research," University Park Executive Director Brian Donnelly said.
Bothast earned a master's degree and doctorate in food microbiology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and a bachelor of science degree in animal science from Ohio State University.
"He's an expert in fermentation technology, biochemical engineering and industrial microbiology," SIUE Public Affairs Director Keith Nichols said.
Bothast has produced more than 200 research publications, patents and technical reports.
"He brings ample qualifications to the facility," Donnelly said.
Bothast will be in charge of a small staff of eight to 10 people.
He will also be responsible for bringing in clients to rent the research plant and will be working to secure grants for the facility.
Research is aimed at reducing the cost of producing ethanol. Ethanol is a byproduct of corn and can be used as a gasoline additive.
Construction on the plant began Dec. 17. The plant is scheduled to open in January.