'Next Generation' virtual biodiesel conference offers environmental networking opportunities for students

On 9/22/2010 11:31 AM, National Biodiesel Board wrote:

First ‘Next Generation’ virtual biodiesel conference offers environmental networking opportunities for students   Dear Daniel, Bernardo del Campo, Iowa State University, will be a presenter JEFFERSON CITY, MO -- YouTube in 2005. It's where Jason Strull first learned about biodiesel’s ability to reduce harmful emissions and petroleum dependence. Now pursuing a masters degree in chemical engineering, Strull is taking biodiesel and social networking to a new level. Strull and other co-chairs of the “Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel” initiative will join one of the nation’s foremost biodiesel researchers from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and National Biodiesel Board staff in leading the first interactive virtual conference on biodiesel for students. NBB will host the program on September 28, 2010 from 7 – 9 p.m. EST. Higher education students and faculty interested in the future of biodiesel – from emerging research, to the state of the industry and career trends to environmental attributes – are invited to register for this one-of-a-kind virtual conference. Participants will learn the latest on how biodiesel is the nation’s only commercially available, domestically produced advanced biofuel. NREL’s Dr. Bob McCormick will cover research on storage stability, compatibility with emissions control technology, and cold temperature performance. Participants will also learn about the biodiesel industry itself, including employment opportunities, and hear from other students leading biodiesel efforts on their own campuses. The virtual conference comes on the heels of the launch of the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel initiative. This new group formed to demonstrate and grow support for biodiesel among tomorrow’s scientific leaders. The campaign launched with 28 founding members of an on-line declaration of support for biodiesel, America’s only domestically produced commercially available advanced biofuel. Participants will have a chance to ask questions of the virtual conference presenters, who are: Don Scott, NBB Director of Sustainability Dr. Bob McCormick, Principal Engineer, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (Golden, Colo.) Jason Strull, Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel Co-chair (University of Nevada -Reno) Lucas Ellis, Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel Co-chair (Dartmouth College) Bernardo del Campo, Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel Co-chair (Iowa State University) Any student scientist can sign the declaration. A Facebook page also provides students with a forum to discuss biodiesel with each other and view profiles of other students and their biodiesel projects. The event is being hosted by NBB, with support from the United Soybean Board and soybean checkoff.   # # #   For more on the Next Generation Scientists for Biodiesel initiative, visit biodieselsustainability.org.