Dr. Jennifer Aurandt, Associate Professor of Biochemistry
Ph.D. in Biological Chemistry from the University of Michigan
Research Focus: Sustainable Energy Generation
The focus of Dr. Aurandt's research is biochemical processes of anaerobic digestion to create renewable natural gas. The breakdown of organic material by microbes in the absence of oxygen creates biogas - a mixture of methane, carbon dioxide, and trace components. The biogas can be upgraded to create pipeline quality methane to generate energy. Dr. Aurandt's research focuses on the understanding of the biochemical process of biogas creation to increase biogas and methane production. Furthermore, another avenue of research is the identification and quantification of trace components in biogas that can interfere with power generation.
Her favorite part about teaching is involving students in cutting-edge research as part of the Biogas Center for Energy Excellence at Kettering University. Dr. Aurandt is the Principle Investigator for the Anaerobic Digestion and Verification Lab which operates small, bench, and pilot anaerobic reactors and analytical equipment for process and biogas monitoring. Her focus is the Biochemistry of hydrolysis and methanogenesis.
To learn more about Dr. Aurandt's lab, click here
