NRRI adds research expertise

Research expertise in wood biomass conversion and geomicrobiology have been added to the diverse knowledge base of UMD’s Natural Resources Research institute in the past few months.

Most recently, Eric Singsaas joined the staff as Program Director of NRRI’s Wood Utilization and BioEconomy Strategic Initiative. This position will focus NRRI’s research in wood use and bio-product extraction while developing capabilities in biomass processing to support Minnesota’s emerging renewable energy economy. Singsaas comes to NRRI with a PhD in Botany from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where he also served as Research Director for the Wisconsin Institute for Sustainable Technology and Associate Professor of Biology. He co-founded Refined Bioproducts LLC in 2015 and serves as Chief Executive. He also co-founded Algoma Algal Biotechnology LLC in 2012.

Last fall, NRRI hired geomicrobiologist Chan Lan Chun in a joint research and professorship position with UMD’s Civil Engineering department. Her work at NRRI will focus on geochemical and microbiological characterization to help evaluate mining activities and develop integrated remediation technologies. Chun comes to NRRI with a PhD in Environmental Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, where she also served as a Research Assistant Professor and Environmental Microbiologist at the Biotechnology Institute. She has published 21 academic papers and is a prolific presenter on topics related to microbial remediation strategies related to minerals.

The mission of UMD’s Natural Resources Research Institute is to deliver research solutions that balance our economy, environment and resources for resilient communities.