Dr. Heather Trajano Assistant Professor in CHBE, is an impressive new addition to the team and an expert in the deconstruction of biomass, especially on the removal of lignin and hemicellulose during the pre-treatment of Populus trichocarpa x P. deltoides. Following different pre-treatment technologies and, in collaboration with Saddler, Trajano will investigate the fractionation of pre-treated samples to optimize extraction of valuable chemicals and further enzymatic conversion to oxygenated biofuels and biochemicals.
Dr. Trajano will use the gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS), part of the BRIC Infrastructure, for biomass analysis of biomass extractives instrument enables the identification and quantification of low concentration, chemically complex biomass extractives. System components are optimized for this purpose. Samples must be analyzed shortly after being generated to avoid changes in composition due to aging; therefore, the equipment is critical to ensure timely analysis.
Contact: Dr. Heather Trajano, Project Lead