PhD Proposal: Chad Sundberg

Chad Sundberg, PhD Student

Location: Technology Research Center 206 & WEBEX

Advisor

Dr. Govind Rao

Title:

Development of Advanced Biomanufacturing Technologies with an Eye Towards C₁ Feedstock Valorization

Abstract:

It can be argued that global warming is the most imminent threat to human life and ecological diversity on our planet. The primary cause of climate change has been rampant greenhouse gas emissions, namely CO₂, from industrial processes and energy generation in the last ~200 years. Based on projected annual emissions, we must capture between 4.7-37.5 GtCO₂/annum by 2050, on top of natural carbon cycle drawdowns, to remain below a 2°C global warming target of ~430-480 ppm atmospheric CO₂ levels. Biomanufacturing has emerged as a promising candidate for the utilization of atmospheric CO₂ within a circular economy. Cell-free systems offer a flexible platform for both the biomanufacturing of diverse compounds and metabolic engineering to inform industrial cell-line development. This research proposal aims to engineer purpose-built bioreactors, with built-in process analytics, for more efficient scale-up and process development in enzymatic biomanufacturing. Additionally, this proposal aims to develop novel enzymatic bioprocesses for CO₂ assimilation into value-added compounds. In totality, this work aims to accelerate the transition from ideation to industrial scale implementation for biomanufacturing processes with an emphasis on the valorization of C₁ feedstocks.

Agenda

• 11:55 am: Meeting room will open
• 12:00 pm: 45-min presentation will be open to the public with Q&A.
• Followed by a closed session with the committee and PhD Student.