After graduating with a PhD in lignin chemistry I spent one year as post-doc researcher in the Department of Paper Science and Engineering, Syracuse, NY followed by 9 years as research chemist in the Fiber Technology group in Scott Paper Comp. I have been a faculty at the University of Minnesota since 1995.
My areas of research interest are focused on innovative sustainable use of lignocellulosics. Specifically, we are seeking to develop new and improved applications for biomass, including biofuels and bioplastics, environmentally-friendly pulping and bleaching processes and recycled fiber. Achieving this goal requires research in several fundamental fields including lignin and carbohydrate chemistry, fiber characteristics, enzyme technologies and the use of sophisticated analytical tools.