Economics of Agricultural Anaerobic Digestion (9:00-9:45 AM)

Dr. Juliana Vasco-Correa is an assistant professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at Penn State University. Her research group uses process modeling, superstructure optimization, techno-economic analysis, and life-cycle assessment for the valorization of biomass resources and upcycling of waste streams. Among those technologies, Dr. Vasco-Correa has researched the techno-economic and environmental implications of anaerobic digestion, digestate management technologies, and methane biofilters.

Anaerobic Digestion Systems on Small- and Medium-Sized Farms (9:45-10:30 AM)

Dr. Wei Liao is a Professional Engineer and Professor. He is the Director of the Anaerobic Digestion Research and Education Center (ADREC), Department of Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering, Michigan State University. His group and center focus on studying integration of solar, biological and nano technologies for waste treatment and value-added fuels/chemical production. He also works on algal cultivation to reclaim water and generate value-added products, as well as innovative anaerobic cultivation systems to convert organic residues to renewable energy and other bioproducts.

Carbon Credits of Agricultural Anaerobic Digestion (10:30-11:15 AM)

John Thornton is president and founder of CleanFuture, Inc., an industry leading company connecting clean vehicle fleet customers with low carbon fuels, serving both the supply and demand side in California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (“LCFS”), Oregon’s and Washington’s Clean Fuels Program (“CFP”), and other emerging clean fuel standards. CleanFuture provides full-service low carbon consulting to clients in areas such as fleet efficiency; low carbon fuels; clean vehicles and vehicle technologies; and monetization strategies. CleanFuture has worked for over a decade to improve the efficiency of a wide range of vehicle fleets.