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Ridge National Laboratory BioSciences Division Biofuel Cells for Energy and Hydrogen Production Requesting applications from science or engineering faculty members at institutions serving students underrepresented in science, engineering, mathematics and technology to work on the following projects at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). Project Description The forces of global energy needs and climate change are driving new developments in sustainable energy production. The use of biological fuel cells for electricity and hydrogen production from waste and renewable sources is expected to play an important role in meeting this demand. Research in the area of biofuel cells and bioelectrochemical systems is an exponentially growing research field. The ability to generate energy from waste and wastewater, while cleaning the water for reuse and recycle has been a strong incentive to develop this technology. Our work is directed at improving power densities of these systems via implementation of fundamental biology, system design and process engineering principles. Development of microbial as well as enzyme fuel cells is under way at ORNL. Biofilms are an important component of the biological system which generates electricity in microbial fuel cells. A better understanding of how electrogenic microorganisms grown and function is needed. Their ability to form nanowires and other electron transport pathways is an exciting field of research. The project is targeted at isolation and characterization of electrogens capable of energy production at high rates from various microbial consortia developed in our laboratory. In addition, a better understanding of the electrochemical reactions and mass transfer processes ocurring within the biofuel cells and the biofilms is one of the research goals for the project. Laboratory Contact: Dr. Abhijeet P. Borole, borolea@ornl.gov Applicants Responsibilities and Relationship to Project Applicants will receive support under the Department of Energy Faculty Student Team Research Program (FaST) to work collaboratively with the project research team at the Laboratory for up to 10 weeks during the summer of 2010. The exact appointment period in the time frame of June to August will be scheduled by mutual agreement between the host divisions at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the successful applicant. Faculty will be expected to identify students from their campuses to participate in the FaST program. The faculty member will provide some mentorship to students during the summer research activities. The faculty and students must participate as a group and serve their appointments concurrently. It is expected that the faculty member and the students become an integral part of the research team working on this project and that opportunities for continued collaboration may be identified. Qualifications of Ideal Candidates Faculty: Ph.D. in bio/chemical engineering, microbiology, physiology, biochemistry, or related field and familiarity with the microbial techniques. Must have proven experimental abilities, a commitment to mentoring students, an established record of publication in field, and work well in collaborative environments with students and other researchers. Must also be willing to commit to work at ORNL for an extended period (2-3 summer months, or longer). Students: Students should be working towards a BS in biological sciences or chemical engineering with interest in bioenergy and experimental research. Must work well in collaboration with faculty, other students, and ORNL researchers. Willing to work at ORNL for an extended period. Support and Financial Commitments The successful candidate will receive a stipend based on the academic salary, travel expenses to and from the Laboratory, and a housing allowance. Students recommended by the faculty member for participation in the program will receive a stipend of $425/week for each week at the Laboratory, plus a housing allowance, and reimbursement for transportation expenses to and from the ORNL. Funds are provided for this program from the US Department of Energy, Office of Science in partnership with the National Science Foundation, from ORNL, and from other sources.
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