Dr. Debbie Yaver to Receive Inaugural Award

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Dr. Debbie Yaver will be presented with the 2014 BIO Rosalind Franklin Award for Leadership. Dr. Yaver’s work and leadership over twenty years in engineering industrial microorganisms embodies the spirit of Rosalind Franklin and her pioneering efforts. Dr. Yaver will deliver a brief address at the conference in San Diego.

This fall more than twenty female leaders in industrial biotechnology were nominated for the award. Dr. Yaver’s accomplishments and dedication stood out to the Rosalind Franklin Award Selection Committee, who selected her as the inaugural recipient.

Dr. Yaver received her Bachelor’s degree in Bacteriology from the University of California-Davis. After working for two years on oil field microbiology at SRI International, Dr. Yaver returned to UC-Davis where she earned her Ph.D. in Microbiology. Her dissertation research focused on the analysis of the in vivo function of 7S RNA in the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica. Dr. Yaver then conducted her postdoctoral research at UC-Davis, where she studied the role of the vacuolar ATPase in protein sorting. 

Following her post-doctoral education, Dr. Yaver accepted a position as a Research Scientist in the Novo Nordisk enzyme division, the predecessor of what is now Novozymes. For over twenty two years, Dr. Yaver has made extraordinary scientific contributions to Novozymes’ fundamental knowledge and expertise in gene expression technology in bacterial and fungal systems. Currently, Dr. Yaver is the Director of Expression Technology, Genomics and Bioinformatics at Novozymes research center in Davis, California. Her research departments focus on engineering microbial strains for production of enzymes, other proteins and small molecules as well as extensive genomics and bioinformatics. Dr. Yaver is an author on many scientific publications in top-line peer-reviewed journals. Her vision and passion for industrial biotechnology is reflected by the fact that she is an inventor on nearly forty issued patents. Dr. Yaver truly leads by example, and her success is a strong reflection of the inspiration and mentorship she provides to her colleagues. Dr. Yaver is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Society of Microbiology and Biotechnology (SIMB) and is chairing a SIMB Presidential Committee on Strategic Planning. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing at University of Iowa. She has remained active at UC-Davis and for several years and has taught a graduate level seminar on industrial biotechnology from discovery to product, which is part of the UC-Davis Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology program. Dr. Yaver is also a member of the Executive Committee for the UC-Davis NIH Training Grant for Biomolecular Technology and the Advisory Committee of the UC-Davis CREATE-IGERT Training program.

With the support of the Rosalind Franklin Society, BIO will present Dr. Yaver with the BIO Rosalind Franklin Award for Leadership in Industrial Biotechnology at the 2014 BIO Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy. 

About Rosalind Franklin:

Just as Rosalind Franklin paved the way for women in the biotechnology field, the BIO Rosalind Franklin Award will be presented to a pioneering woman in the industrial biotechnology sector who has made significant contributions to the advancement of the biobased economy and biotech innovation. The Rosalind Franklin Award will stand as a lasting memory to the legacy left by Rosalind Franklin, who was instrumental in the discovery and our greater understanding of the molecular structure of DNA, by honoring those women who too have made significant contributions in industrial biotechnology. Through Rosalind Franklin’s use of X-ray diffraction images, the true double helix structure of DNA was discovered. Indeed, it was with the help of Franklin’s images and writings that eventually led Francis Crick and James Watson to release their 1953 model of the structure of DNA.  Though often overlooked, Rosalind Franklin’s critical work and discovery in the field has allowed the expansive growth of the biotechnology industry to become what it is today. As said by John Desmond Bernal, a fellow X-ray crystallographer, of Franklin’s crystallographic portraits of DNA, “Her photographs were among the most beautiful X-ray photographs of any substance ever taken.”

Award Purpose:

With this award we hope to not only honor Rosalind Franklin’s legacy, but honor those women who have also shown exemplary leadership and led the way through previously uncharted territory. Note: Awardees are expected to commit to being present to receive the award and to giving ten to fifteen minutes of remarks at a plenary session when they accept the award in person at a BIO conference.

Click here to learn more about Women in Industrial Biotechnology

More Information Available Here: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/aso/databank/entries/bofran.html

Please see some of the 2014 nominees below :

1.Maria J. Barbosa, Director AlgaePARC, Wageningen, The Netherlands

2.    Nahla V. Bassil, Geneticist, US Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, National Clonal Germplasm Repository       

3.Cathy Burzik, Operating Partner, Targeted Technology    

4.Raquel Lia Chan, Ph.D. Instituto de Agrobiotecnologia del Litoral (CONICET-UNL)        

5.Helena L. Chum, Research Fellow, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

6.Katrina Cornish, Ph. D, The Oho State University  

7.Carole L. Cramer, Ph.D., Professor of Biological Sciences, Arkansas State Univ., Arkansas Biosciences Institute

8.Lisa Dyson, CEO, Kiverdi

9.Vonnie Estes, Managing Director, GranBio 

10. Kaisa Hietala, Executive Vice President, Renewable Products, Neste Oil Corporation 

11. Hoi-Ying Holman, Director, Berkeley Synchrotron Infrared Structural Biology Program, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory        

12. Jennifer Holmgren, CEO, LanzaTech

13. Ethel Noland Jackson, DuPont Fellow, DuPont CR&D Biotechnology

14. K’Lynne Johnson, CEO & President, Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc.

15. Dr. Christine Lang, CEO, Organobalance GmbH

16. Ellen Lee, Team Leader, Plastics Research, Ford Motor Company

17. Rosemarie Osborne, Research Fellow, Procter & Gamble

18. Anna Rath, President and CEO, NexSteppe

19. Dr. Ravigadevi Sambanthamurthi, Director, Advanced Biotechnology and Breeding Centre, Malaysian Palm Oil Board 

20. Theodora Retzina, CEO, American Process Inc.

21. Debbie Yaver, Director, Expression Technology, Genomics and Bioinformatics, Novozymes, Inc.

22. Xiao-Ying Yu, Senior Research Scientist, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Ag-West Bio Inc. -Table Top 8

Ag-West Bio is Saskatchewan’s bioscience industry association. The company works as a catalyst for developing partnerships and industry growth in the bio-economy through investments, aiding strategic alliances, and providing business planning support, regulatory advice and communications. Funding for Ag-West Bio is provided by Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and Growing Forward, and Western Economic Diversification Canada.

The Digest-Table Top 7

Each weekday, 34,000 subscribers receive the Biofuels Digest newsletter, covering producer news, research, policy, policymakers, conferences, fleets and financial news. Biofuels Digest is the most widely-read biofuels daily in the world (sources: Alexa, Quantcast). 62 percent of subscribers call it “the best online biofuels media."

Biosynthetic Technologies -Table Top 10

Biosynthetic Technologies manufactures bio-based synthetic oils made from organic fatty acids for use in lubricants and other specialty chemicals. Biosynthetic Base Oils have proven effective in various applications including API certified motor oils, marine lubricants, hydraulic fluids and other applications where a high performance, environmentally acceptable lubricant is required.

Ceapro Inc. Table Top 12

Ceapro will be highlighting its game changing and disruptive Pressurized Gas eXpansion (PGX) technology, which has been demonstrated on a variety of biopolymers including polysaccharides, gums, cellulose, and starch.  Demonstrated benefits include the ability to produce unique nano-materials and aerogel materials continously, purification, and impregnating  bioactives onto a biopolymer matrix.

EMD Millipore -Table Top 11

EMD Millipore is an innovation-driven life science company offering a broad spectrum of proven tools and technologies, water purification, filtration, fine chemicals, analysis instrumentation together with performance solutions innovations, that help our customers succeed in the research, development and production of biotechnology and pharmaceutical drug therapies.

GEA Group- Table Top 6

GEA Process Engineering is a full-service engineering company offering numerous bio-chemical relevant processing systems including:

• Fermentors and bioreactors
• Evaporators and crystallizers 
• Membrane filtration plants
• Dryers and particulate processing systems
• Cleaning and product recovery systems
• Process integration and automation services

engineering for a better world

Industrial Biotechnology/Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. -Table Top 3

The Industrial Biotechnology Journal is the authoritative, peer reviewed bimonthly research journal focused on biobased industrial and environmental products and processes. It is the first and longest-running publication to report the science, business, and policy developments of the emerging global bioeconomy, including biobased production of energy and fuels, chemicals, materials, and consumer goods. 

Pacific Ergonomics - Table Top 4

Pacific Ergonomics is your premier source for ergonomic chairs, height-adjustable tables, ergonomic keyboard trays, monitor arms, ergonomic computer accessories, and ergonomic office furniture. We offer ergonomic consulting services and evaluations as well. We serve San Diego County and Southern California.

Sughrue Mion PLLC- Table Top 9

For 50 years Sughrue Mion PLLC has protected the universe of ideas by providing strategic counseling to clients in obtaining, maintaining and capitalizing on their intellectual property. When litigation is unavoidable Sughrue’s experienced trial attorneys obtain results that further its clients’ business objectives.  Sughrue lawyers have particular expertise before the International Trade Commission and extensive experience in all matters before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Federal and state trial courts and the U.S. Courts of Appeal. 

UC San Diego Extension- Table Top 2

Through cutting-edge certificates and workshops, UC San Diego’s professional development programs advance skills in biotechnology to develop a workforce for a new green economy.   Offerings such as biofuels or microbial fermentation draw from industry trends with recent and applicable knowledge, provide students with practical skills, a wider network of peers, and deliver to employers increased effectiveness in the workplace. 

U.S Department of Agriculture -Table Top 1

USDA has many programs and resources available to assist the broad complement of stakeholders to respond to bioeconomy-related issues and opportunities, including BioPreferred and voluntary labeling program, basic scientific research to the development and commercialization of new technologies, outreach and education, technical and financial assistance, and infrastructure. USDA is leading the way for a clean energy future for our country.

U.S Department of Energy-Table Top 5

The U.S. Department of Energy's Bioenergy Technologies Office works with industry, academia, and national laboratory partners on a balanced portfolio of research, development, demonstration, and deployment activities in feedstock supply and logistics, conversion technologies, and integrated biorefineries. The Office is helping transform our renewable, abundant biomass resources into sustainable, cost-competitive, high-performance biofuels, value-added products, and biopower to reduce our nation’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Poster Presentations

Workshop Presentations

BIO Pacific Rim Summit workshops are designed for specific and focused discussions on business or technical information. All workshops will take place on Tuesday, December 10 from 9:45 AM – 11:15 AM.

Developing an Effective Workforce for Emerging Technologies in Industrial Biotechnology
Presented by: 

Moderator: Jason Anderson, Vice President, CleanTECH San Diego

Panelists:
Jeff Lievense, Executive VP, Process Technology, Genomatica
Mike Fino, Professor, Bioprocess Technology, MiraCosta College and UCSD California Center for Algae Biotechnology
Robert Pomeroy, Faculty, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UCSD
Shannon McDonald, Business Development & Marketing Manager, UC San Diego Extension

UC San Diego is a leader in basic and translational research within the industrial biotechnology and biofuels fields.  A panel of academic and industry experts will explore the field from business and technical perspectives.  Special attention will be given to workforce development, including new approaches to prepare a capable team.

Exploring Marine Biodiversity and Bringing Sustainable Solutions to Industry

Presented by: 

Moderator: Kenneth Barrett, Vice President, Business Development, Verenium Corporation

Panelists: 
Douglas Bartlett, Professor, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego
David P. Weiner, Vice President, R&D Strategy & Partnerships, Verenium Corporation
Jan Buch Andersen, Managing Director, Barentzymes

Biotechnology has already led to improvements in efficiencies and environmental sustainability across many industries and is driving the change from a chemical to a bio-based economy.  With increasing population growth and global urbanization, this trend is expected to continue, creating an increasing need for more efficient industrial processes.

More than three and a half billion years of natural evolution has led to a tremendous diversity of microbial life that exists on our planet.  This vast biodiversity represents one of the world’s most valuable resources for the development of solutions to mankind’s biggest challenges and yet it is largely unexplored.  With an emphasis on marine environments, this session will highlight recent fundamental and applied approaches to understanding and manipulating genomes from untapped microbial diversity.  Furthermore, the panelists will describe work on the discovery, evolution, and commercial implementation of unique products from novel microbes that are transforming industrial processes.

Advances in Algal Synthetic Biology Technologies 

Presented by: 

Moderator: Dr. Farzad Haerizadeh,  Life Technologies

Panelists: 
Dr. Farzad Haerizadeh, Life Technologies
Dr. Beth Rasala, Professor, Triton Algae Innovations 

Synthetic biology brings together engineers and biologists to design and build novel bio- molecular components, networks and pathways, and to use these constructs to rewire and reprogram organisms. Among industrial organisms, microalgae hold great promise as the next generation production platform for renewable fuels, chemicals, animal feed and high value products. Algae can be cultivated with high productivity on land and water not suitable for agriculture. However despite the recent heightened interest and substantial investment, the availability of standardized tools and a developed knowledge base on microalgae lag far behind many other production systems. Here in, you will hear from the industry leaders on the recent advances achieved in the last few years on synthetic biology tools and technologies for algal research and bioproduction. 

U.S. Policy Outlook: 2014 – Make or Break for Advanced Biofuels and Renewable Chemicals

Presented by: 

Moderator: Matt Carr, Managing Director, Industrial & Enviromental Section, Biotechnology Industry Organization

Panelists: 
Ben Salisbury, Senior Policy Analys, FBR Capital Markets
Ryan Stroschein, Green Capitol LLC
Tim Urban,Washington Council Ernst & Young

The coming year marks a watershed in industrial biotech commercialization, with a new wave of cellulosic and advanced biofuels facilities coming online, and investments from across the globe to develop and produce renewable chemicals and biopolymers. But 2014 also promises unprecedented policy challenges that could threaten progress – particularly in the U.S. A panel of leading policy experts will assess the threats and opportunities on the U.S. federal policy landscape for 2014. Ben Salisbury, FBR Capital Markets, will discuss the impact of EPA’s 2014 RFS proposed rule and efforts in Congress to repeal or revise the RFS. Ryan Stroschein, Green Capitol LLC, will discuss Farm Bill negotiations and prospects for Energy Title programs. Tim Urban, Washington Council Ernst & Young, will discuss tax reform and the future of advanced biofuel and renewable chemical tax credits.

Breakout Session Tracks

1. Feedstock Production and Utilization (Room: Del Mar, Level 1)
2: Renewable Chemical Platforms (Room: La Jolla, Level 1)
3: Advanced Biofuels and Biorefinery Platforms (Room: Sante Fe, Level 2)
4: Synthetic Biology, Algae and Marine Biotechnology (Room: Plaza BC, Level 2)
5: Technical and Research Presentations (Room: Plaza A, Level 2)

Feedstock Production and Utilization
Sponsored by: Gevo

Opportunities for Alternative Feedstock Crops

Moderator 
Jack Gruschow, Linnaeus Plant Sciences Inc.

Speakers
Ayah Alassali , Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
 

Advances in Reeds and Grasses
Session 2: Monday, December 9 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Moderator
John Fulcher, Chromatin Inc.

Speakers
Enrica Bargiacchi, Consortium INSTM
Masahiro Samejima, The University of Tokyo

Gases as Feedstock: The New Renewable?
Session 3: Monday, December 9 - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Moderator
Michael Schuppenhauer, Farmatic Inc.

Speakers
Karen Wawrousek, Western Research Institute

Sugars: Exploring New Sources
Session 4: Tuesday, December 10 - 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Moderator
Kef Kasdin, Proterro

Speakers
Theodora Retsina, American Process, Inc.
Kef Kasdin, Proterro
Karl Doenges, Sweetwater Energy

Renewable Oil Feedstocks for the Pacific Rim
Session 5: Tuesday, December 10 - 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Moderator
Sanjay Wagle, AliphaJet

Speakers
Naveen Sikka, TerViva
Kirk Haney, SG Biofuels
Mike Cey, Ag-West Bio
Chris Tindal, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Energy

Oilseed Derived Feedstocks - Can they compete with Petroleum?
Session 6: Wednesday, December 11 - 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Moderator
Jack Grushcow, Linnaeus Plant Sciences Inc.

Track 2: Renewable Chemical Platforms
Sponsored by: Deinove

Differentiation for Biobased Chemicals
Session 1: Monday, December 9 - 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Moderator
Damien Perriman, Genomatica

Speaker
Rodolfo Manzone, Yulex

Expanding the Oleochemical Value Chain to Biobased Consumer Products
Session 2: Monday, December 9 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Moderator
Tom Beardslee, Verdezyne

Speakers
Hirzun Mohd Yusof, Sime Darby
Tom Beardslee, Verdezyne
Allen Barbieri, Biosynthetic Technologies

Renewable Chemicals and Consumer Products
Session 3: Monday, December 9 - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Moderator
Max Senechal, Metabolix

Speakers
Emmanuel Petiot, Deinove SA
Jeff Uhrig, Bioformix
John Bissell, Micromidas

Track 3: Advanced Biofuels and Biorefinery Platforms
Sponsored by: US Department of Energy

Cellulosic Biofuels: Unleashing Commercial Production
Session 1: Monday, December 9 - 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Moderator
Brian Conroy, BP

Speakers
Christopher Standlee, Abengoa Bioenergy US Holding, Inc.
Steve Hartig, POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels
Wes Bolsen, Cool Planet Biofuels

Production of Drop-In Hydrocarbon Fuels from Cellulosic Biomass
Session 2: Monday, December 9 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Moderator
Thomas Foust, National Renewable Energy Laboratory

Speaker
Jesse Q. Bond, Syracuse University
Charles Cai, University of California Riversid
Brittany Syz, Oberon Fuels

Biorefineries: Perspectives on Finance & Construction
Session 3: Monday, December 9 - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Moderator
Martin Sabarsky, Cellana LLC

Speakers
Alejandro Zamorano Cadavid, Bloomberg New Energy Finance
Alan Propp, Merrick & Company
Lester H. Krone, Stern Brothers & Co.
Doug Dudgeon, Harris Group Inc.

Progress in Production and Commercialization of Alcohol Fuels
Session 4: Tuesday, December 10 - 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Moderator
James J. Spaeth, U.S. Department of Energy

Speakers
Jasmine Isar, Reliance Industries Limited
Sam Park, Enerkem
James J. Spaeth, U.S. Department of Energy
Kevin Gray, BetaRenewables

Overcoming Challenges in Regulation and Intellectual Property
Session 5: Tuesday, December 10 - 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Moderator
David J. Glass, D. Glass Associates, Inc.

Speakers
William Kenealy, Ph.D., Mascoma Corporation
Kathleen Roberts, Bergeson & Campbell Consortia Management, LLC

Advances in Aviation Biofuels
Session 6: Wednesday, December 11 - 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Moderator
Michael Vevera, Mercurius Biofuels

Speakers
Karl Seck, Mercurius Biorefining
Ralph Cavalieri, Washington State University

Track 4: Synthetic Biology, Algae and Marine Biotechnology
Sponsored by: Cellana

Optimizing Algae Production for Beneficial Bioproducts
Session 1: Monday, December 9 - 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Moderator
Jim Flatt, Synthetic Genomics

Speakers
Jose Sanchez, OriginOil 

New Approaches to make Biology Easier to Engineer
Session 2: Monday, December 9 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Moderator
Vivek Mutalik, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab

Speakers
James Carothers, University of Washington, Seattle

Metabolic Engineering of Aquatic Photosynthetic Organisms
Session 3: Monday, December 9 - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Moderator
Peter Heifetz, Heifetz BioConsulting

Speakers
Mark Hildebrand, University of California, San Diego

Updates on Algal Biofuel Production in China
Session 4: Tuesday, December 10 - 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Moderator
David Guangyi Wang, Tianjin University

Speakers
Pengcheng Fu, Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Zhongxin Yang, Hangzhou Xinwei Low-carbon Tech R&D Ltd

Techno-economic and Physical Analysis for Microalgae Growth
Session 6: Wednesday, December 11 - 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Moderator
David Hazlebeck, Global Algae Innovations

Speakers
Leah Raffaeli, University of Denver
Victoria Kurtz, Fluid Imaging Technologies, Inc.
John McGowen, Arizona State University, AzCATI

Track 5: Technical and Research Presentations
Sponsored by: Corbion

Development of New Industrial Enzymes
Session 1: Monday, December 9 - 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Moderator
Tim Hitchman, DSM

Speakers
Feng Wang, Institute of Process Engineering, CAS
Danai Brooks, Dyadic International, Inc.

Stabilization in Fermentation Processes
Session 2: Monday, December 9 - 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Moderator
William Kenealy, Mascoma Corporation

Speakers
Joshua Velson, Nexant

Advancements in Biological Processes in Industrial Biotechnology
Session 3: Monday, December 9 - 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Moderator
Bhima Vijayendran, Redwood Innovation Partners, LLC

Speakers
Mathieu Haddad, University of Montreal
John Cumbers, NASA Ames Space Portal and SynBioBeta

Feedstock Conversion Technologies
Session 4: Tuesday, December 10 - 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

Moderator
Brian Baynes, Midori Renewables, Inc.

Speakers
Joachim Venus, Leibniz Institute Agricultural Engineering (ATB)
Guillaume Bruant, National Research Council Canada
Ayah Alassali, Masdar Institute of Science and Technology

Sustainability Performance Value in Industrial Biotechnology Processes
Session 5: Tuesday, December 10 - 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Moderator
Benjamin Saydah, Sapphire Energy

Speakers
Roger Sedjo, Resources for the Future
Mike Guggenheimer, RSC Bio Solutions

Microbial Synthetic Pathways to Renewable Chemicals and Biofuels
Session 6: Wednesday, December 11 - 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Moderator
John Perkins, DSM

Speakers
Nagib Ward, Deinove SA
Hans van der Pol, Corbion