Algae Biomass Organization Announces 2023 Young Algae Researcher Award

(Algae Biomass Organization) The Algae Biomass Organization (ABO) is proud to announce the winners of the Young Researcher Poster Competition, presented earlier this month at the 2023 Algae Biomass Summit. This year’s competition showcased some of the most promising young talent in the field of algae and seaweed research and innovation, with participants from diverse institutions around the world.

More than 100 researchers participated in the poster competition at the 2023 Algae Biomass Summit. Winners were judged on method design, how their research fit into the broader body of scientific research in their field, visual clarity and presentation skills. The winners’ innovative work spans various aspects of algae and seaweed research, from environmental sustainability and biodiesel production to novel textile applications and toxin validation.

The winners of the Algae Biomass Summit’s Young Researcher Poster Competition are as follows:

1st Place in Research Design and Methods:
Rahul Kumar of the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi, India.
Title of Poster: “Enhanced elimination of Particulate matter, Formaldehyde, and Total Volatile Organic Compounds (TVOC’s) using diatoms embedded microalgal biochar (non-activated) for indoor air purification.”

1st Place in Engineering Innovation:
Drashti Mojidra of the University of Houston in Sugarland, Texas
Title of Poster: “Processing Nannochloropsis gaditana to biodiesel using immobilized enzymes and microorganisms.”

1st Place in Biological Innovation:
Jeileen Luciano-Rodriguez of the University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras Campus Toa Baja, Puerto Rico
Title of Poster: “Nanostructure Textile based on Sargassum sp. and byproducts.”

1st Place in Aspirational Research and Creativity:
Katrina Bucci of the Army Educational Outreach Program in Gunpowder, MD
Title of Poster: “Validation of Algal Strains for Toxin Production.”

The 2023 Young Researcher Poster Competition was a highly competitive event, and these exceptional young scientists and researchers have demonstrated their dedication to advancing the field of algae and seaweed science.

“We are immensely proud of these young innovators and their contributions to the algae community. Their groundbreaking research and creative thinking are essential in advancing the algae industry and solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” said Jon Kallen, executive director of the Algae Biomass Organization.

The Algae Biomass Summit serves as the leading forum for professionals and experts in the algae industry to exchange ideas, explore new research, and promote the ongoing development of algae-based solutions for a sustainable future. The Young Researcher Poster Competition is a key component of the event, providing a platform for emerging talent to present their work and network with industry leaders.

The Algae Biomass Organization congratulates Rahul Kumar, Drashti Mojidra, Jeileen Luciano-Rodriguez, and Katrina Bucci on their well-deserved achievements. Their dedication to advancing algae research and innovation promises a brighter, more sustainable future. READ MORE