Top Stories
NCERC Staff Present at the AFCC Conference
On November 7, Director of Research Dr. Yan Zhang presented on her research at the Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition's annual conference in Washington, DC. Dr. Zhang showcased her cellulosic material pretreatment method that provides a low cost, low carbon pathway to produce cellulosic sugars and ethanol from waste. Her presentation sparked conversations with multiple potential collaborators in the audience.

In addition to her presentation, Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr. Mingjun Ma presented a poster with an overview of NCERC's research converting corn bran into Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

This conference sparked a lot of opportunity for NCERC as the final conference in 2022! Stay tuned for more updates as we build up our business development calendar for 2023.
Dr. Yan Zhang presenting at the AFCC Conference on the "Process Development Tools for Advanced Biofuels" panel.
Dr. Mingjun Ma presents his poster at the Poster Presentation Session and Reception.
Careers in Biotechnology Job Shadow Booklet: A Tool For Students
Earlier this year, NCERC launched its "Careers in Biotechnology" job shadow program for high school students interested in pursuing careers in biofuels or other fields in the bioindustrial manufacturing sector. The program includes a one-day experience at NCERC, job shadowing our staff and seeing what their day-to-day roles look like in this career field. They're paired strategically with staff whose interests align with theirs, so that they can envision what their potential career might look like.

As part of the program, we recently published a booklet that the student can use to learn more about NCERC and these career fields, and take notes during their job shadow experience.
In addition to the job booklet, we published one pagers that reflect the three different types of paths they can take when completing the job shadow program. Click the links below to download a copy.
#FoodTech Thanksgiving Social Media Feature
During the week of Thanksgiving, the marketing/PR team at NCERC featured three different companies who are making novel products in the food-focused biotechnology industry. Check it out on our social media channels!
Hayes Appears in Nov 4 Issue of St. Louis Business Journal
As part of the St. Louis Business Journal's 40 Under 40 Awards, each recipient is featured in an issue of the publication which shares their answers to questions related to St. Louis's business community. An excerpt of Jackie's feature is below.

What would it take to attract more young
professionals to the St. Louis region?
The St. Louis region is perfectly positioned to be a leader in the bioindustrial revolution. With proximity to all major modes of transportation, abundant bio-resources, research assets and real estate, it has everything biotechnology companies need to place roots here and thrive. Young people understand the need to decarbonize and are supportive of these companies, so building this industry would not only be great for our region from an economic standpoint, it would make it a hub for young people who want to be part of this growing sector.
Research Updates
Aquaculture
NCERC's research team has been working on an in-situ fermentation of corn kernel fiber with intentions to produce high-protein DDGS for use in an aquaculture feeding trial. The early results of this study were showcased at the 2021 FEW and a new round of results will be showcased at the 2022 FEW. This project is in partnership with the University of Idaho's Aquaculture Research Institute.

MSW to Biofuel Conversion
Through funding provided by SIUE's Transitional & Exploratory Projects (STEP) grant program, NCERC will continue our research on the conversion of municipal solid waste (MSW), waste that comes from both residential and commercial sources, to biofuel. Ajay Venigalla, the student who lead this research over the last academic year, prepared this project for scale-up under the guidance of Dr. Yan Zhang. This work will continue when the NCERC research team has time in between contractual research projects. A special thanks to Waste Connections for providing quarterly samples of MSW!
Connections & Visits
St. Louis Business Journal 40 Under 40 Awards Banquet
St. Charles, MO
November 1

SIUE Staff Senate Monthly Meeting
Edwardsville, IL
November 3

Alternative Fuels & Chemicals Coalition Conference
Washington, DC
November 6-8

Lewis & Clark Community College Process Technology Program Open House
Edwardsville, IL
November 17

Growth Energy Regional Meeting
Kansas City, MO
November 17

Illinois Corn Growers Association Annual Meeting
Bloomington, IL
November 22

Young Professionals Network Focus Group
Virtual
November 29
Upcoming Meetings
Young Professionals Network Focus Group
Virtual
December 1

BioMADE 4S Committee Meeting
Virtual
December 7

SIUE Staff Senate Meeting
Edwardsville, IL
December 8

Visit with Staff from IN Corn
NCERC Facility
December 12

St. Louis Agribusiness Club Meeting
St. Louis, MO
December 13
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National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC)
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618-659-6737 | ethanolresearch.com