The NCERC at SIUE Research Director Dr. Sabrina Trupia will present her findings on the use of sweet sorghum as an ethanol feedstock this week at an international conference in Orlando.
The Sweet Sorghum Ethanol Association invited Trupia to deliver her presentation, “Sweet Sorghum Inclusion Rates in Ethanol Production,” during its annual conference Jan. 23-25. She joins other nationally recognized researchers during a panel on sorghum research and development.
“The use of sweet sorghum for biofuels and biobased products is an exciting area of research,” Trupia said. “We are seeking continued collaboration to unlock the potential of this feedstock.
“Our work with the United Sorghum Checkoff Program demonstrated how to optimize corn ethanol yields by incorporating sweet sorghum sugar streams, but there is more work to be done. I look forward to connecting with other researchers in Orlando to discuss how we can extend upon this research.”
Trupia’s 2012 breakthrough conversion of corn kernel fiber to cellulosic ethanol cemented her reputation as a leader in the fermentation of cellulosic feedstocks. Her expertise on emerging advanced biofuels feedstock continues to attract interest from trade organizations, government agencies and research groups.
During 2013, Trupia was called upon to present at a USDA workshop and delivered presentations at leading biofuels conferences and symposiums.
“We are thrilled that Sabrina’s research is generating attention from industry leaders and opening the doors to new research collaborations,” NCERC Director John Caupert said. “Our work with sweet sorghum, corn kernel fiber and other cellulosic materials demonstrates the NCERC’s feedstock flexibility and expertise in advancing all generations of biofuels research.”