This is one of two workshops next in a series exploring the development of a circular bioeconomy ecosystem in which renewable and waste resources are used as raw materials, substituting biomass-based and recycled carbon for fossil carbon in energy and products. Developing these bio-based production chains and businesses could create jobs, help decarbonize Wisconsin industries, and promote statewide rural economic development. Renewable Natural Gas, Carbon Management, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Biobased Chemicals will be discussed.
Workshops on Renewable Natural Gas, Carbon Management, and Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Biobased Chemicals have been held so far. Gaps and opportunities in each of these areas of the bioeconomy have been identified set the stage for future discussions regarding how to advance the bioeconomy in Wisconsin.
Join us in-person on either Thursday, May 25 in Madison or Wednesday, June 21 in Appleton to review and prioritize recommendations for these major areas of Wisconsin’s bioeconomy, connect with other stakeholders, and discuss ongoing strategies to build a bioeconomy ecosystem, including a possible membership organization. There is no cost to attend and breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Agenda
9:00 am – 2:30 pm
- Breakfast and Networking
- Welcome and Introductions
- Renewable Natural Gas
- Carbon Management
- Lunch
- Sustainable Aviation Fuels and Biobased Chemicals
- Interest in Future Meetings / Organization
- Closing Remarks
Discussion Facilitators
Tim Donohue
WEI & GLBRC Director, Ira L. Baldwin Professor of Bacteriology, UW Foundation Fetzer-Bascom Professor
The Wisconsin Energy Institute Director, Dr. Timothy Donohue, is Ira L. Baldwin Professor of Bacteriology and UW Foundation Fetzer-Bascom Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Donohue is an internationally-recognized expert on bio-and genome-based conversion of renewable resources into valuable products. He is a Past President and current Secretary of the American Society for Microbiology, the oldest and largest biological sciences professional society in the country. Dr. Donohue is an honorary fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Microbiology, has served on numerous federal and international advisory panels, and has led large federally-funded cross-disciplinary graduate training programs. Since 2007, Dr. Donohue has served as principal investigator and director of Great Lakes Bioenergy, a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science-funded renewable fuels and chemicals research center that has trained some 1000 scientists and engineers, made advances contained in over 200 patent applications and 100 licensed technologies, and provided the scientific knowledge that has formed the basis of five start-up companies.
Diane Mayerfeld
Senior Outreach Specialist, Agriculture Institute, UW-Madison Division of Extension
Diane Mayerfeld is the sustainable agriculture coordinator for University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension. She helps educators and farmers learn about sustainable agriculture techniques and resources, including grants from the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program. Current areas of focus include climate change, working with diverse farmers, and perennial cropping systems. She has a PhD from the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and researches silvopasture in Wisconsin.
Roxanne Wienkes
Deputy Director, Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables
Roxanne Wienkes has worked for the Dane County Department of Waste & Renewables since 2019 and leads the Department’s technical engineering, finance, and administrative functions. Prior to working with Dane County, Roxanne worked for TRC Companies and the Veterans Heath Administration at the VA Hospital in Madison, WI. She has spent nearly equal parts of her career in public service as the “owner/operator” and equal parts in private sector environmental consulting , which gives her a unique perspective on solid waste facility design and operation.