As global efforts accelerate to reduce transportation’s environmental impact, aviation remains one of the more challenging sectors to decarbonize due to its growth and its reliance on high-energy-density liquid fuels. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from bio-based sources offers a promising near-term solution to this challenge while enhancing energy security and rural economic development.
Join us on January 27 at 4:30 p.m. CT as we explore what SAF is, the technologies and feedstocks that enable its production, and the industries—from agriculture to aviation—that must collaborate to make it scalable. Experts will also discuss current initiatives and developments that are shaping the transition to cleaner skies.
Registration is required to receive the Zoom link.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a barrier free campus and is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services, and activities. If you need an accommodation for this event please let us know by emailing outreach@energy.wisc.edu or calling 608-890-0946. Requests made with less than 3 weeks’ notice will be honored when possible.
Moderator
Steve Csonka, Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative Executive Director
Steve Csonka is the Executive Director of the Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative, a coalition of airlines, aircraft and engine manufacturers, energy producers, researchers, international participants, and U.S. government agencies. Together these stakeholders are leading the development and deployment of alternative jet-fuel options for commercial aviation that offer equivalent safety and favorable costs compared with petroleum-based jet fuel, while improving environmental performance and energy supply security for aviation. Mr. Csonka has more than 35 years of experience with commercial aircraft engines and fuels and holds a master’s degree in propulsion and combustion engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
Panelists
Dana Hatch, Technology Development Manager, BIOLEUM
Bio to come.
Jane McCurry, Executive Director, Clean Fuels Michigan
Jane McCurry is the Executive Director of Clean Fuels Michigan, a nonprofit trade association advancing the clean mobility industries in Michigan. In this role, Jane has been appointed to the Michigan Council on Future Mobility and Electrification, where she represents policy and technology interests. She also serves on the boards of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association and WorldWise Microfinance. Jane holds Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Operations and Technology Management and Environmental Studies from the University of Wisconsin.
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.