What’s in Your Algae Toolbox?
 Tools to screen, genetically modify, and evaluate different algae strains are in an algal scientist “toolbox” to open up new possibilities of improving algae growth and productivity for biofuel. The Algal Biology Toolbox Workshop Summary Report is now available, covering the outcomes of the BETO-hosted workshop last May to discuss with stakeholders how to “sharpen” these tools to reduce the cost of biofuel production. The report provides an overview of the current state of algae research, as well as attendee recommendations for future development priorities.
Algae Technology Education Consortium Wraps Up Accomplishments of First Year
 Algae are coming out of the pond and into the classroom, thanks to the significant efforts of the Algae Technology Education Consortium (ATEC) this past year. In just this first year of its project, funded by the BETO, ATEC established partnerships with 11 universities and 5 community colleges, developed a 2-year degree program in algal cultivation, and conducted a survey to assess the needs of a trained algal-based workforce.
Celebrate National Bioenergy Day and Energy Action Month in October!
 October is Energy Action Month! To celebrate, BETO will showcase bioenergy research and development throughout October, and especially on National Bioenergy Day, October 19. On National Bioenergy Day, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other energy organizations across the nation will hold events demonstrating bioenergy benefits and opportunities. Visit the Fourth Annual Bioenergy Day website to see a listing of all 2016 participants. Throughout the month, BETO will feature bioenergy accomplishments, highlighting work through our national laboratories and private companies in blogs and news on our website, in emails, and in social media. BETO will also host a bioenergy exhibit and display posters in the DOE Forrestal Building and Germantown Building for those in the Washington, D.C. area. Stay tuned!
Don’t Miss the Biorefinery Optimization Workshop Next Week!
 On Oct. 5–6, 2016, BETO will host the Biorefinery Optimization Workshop in Chicago, Illinois, to advance the understanding of the current capabilities, barriers, and opportunities for integrated biorefineries working to produce biofuels, biochemicals, and bioproducts. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss strategies to achieve continuous, reliable operation of integrated biorefineries. To learn more about the workshop, and to register, visit the Biorefinery Optimization Workshop registration page.
BioenergizeME 2017 Infographic Challenge Kicks Off
 Mark your calendars: the 2017 BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge kicks off tomorrow! Give your 9th–12th grade students an opportunity to learn about topics in biofuel and bioenergy and to share their knowledge through infographics. Registration opens Sept. 30, 2016, and continues through Feb. 3, 2017. Read about the 2016 winning team and their trip to Washington, D.C. You can also check out past webinars that provide an overview of the BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge and that explain how to integrate bioenergy into the classroom.
Webinar Recording Available: Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines—National Lab Project Overview
 Earlier this month, BETO hosted a webinar to provide an in-depth overview of the Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima) National Lab Consortium Project. The recorded webinar is now available online! Speakers discussed co-optimization efforts for nearer-term advanced spark-ignition engine and longer-term advanced compression-ignition engine technologies. The discussion included information on the methodology used to select fuel candidates, ongoing simulation and experimental research, and efforts to identify and address deployment opportunities and challenges.
Celebrating the Legacy of Bioenergy Director Lt. Col. William C. Holmberg (TBD)
BETO recognizes the foundational accomplishments of retired Marine Lieutenant Colonel William C. Holmberg, the founding director of DOE bioenergy efforts and a titan of the bioenergy industry. Holmberg, known to his friends as Bill, passed away in September at the age of 88. He understood the importance of bioenergy in growing our nation’s energy future, and the force of his eternal optimism of reaching a thriving bioeconomy is still felt within the halls of BETO and on Capitol Hill to this day.
Past and Upcoming Events with BETO Representation
- International Energy Agency Webinar: Cascading of woody biomass definitions, policies, and effects on international trade; September 1, 2016; Online
- Co-Optimization of Fuels and Engines (Co-Optima)—National Lab Project Overview Webinar; September 14; Alicia Lindauer; Online
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Alternative Aviation Fuel Workshop; September 14–15, 2016; Borka Kostova; Macon, Georgia
- Biorefinery Optimization Workshop; October 5–6, 2016; Borka Kostova, Jim Spaeth; Chicago, Illinois
- National Bioenergy Day 2016; October 19, 2016; Nationwide
- Algae Biomass Summit; October 23–26, 2016; Alison Goss Eng, Jonathan Male, Christine English, Devinn Lambert, Amanda Barry; Phoenix, Arizona
- National Science Teachers Association Conference; October 28–29, 2016; Sheila Dillard; Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Symposium on Thermal and Catalytic Sciences for Biofuels and Biobased Products; November 1–4, 2016; Jonathan Male, Kevin Craig, Liz Moore, Nichole Fitzgerald, Prasad Gupte, Jeremy Leong; Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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The Advanced Bioeconomy Leadership Conference on NextGen Technologies; November 2–4, 2016; Jonathan Male; San Francisco, California
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National Association of Biology Teachers; November 3–6, 2016; Sheila Dillard; Denver, Colorado
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