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Expert is a microbiologist with expertise in microbiology and biotechnology with 7 years of consulting experience advising large and small industrial clients as well as venture capitalists and investment groups on emerging technologies in areas such as biocides, biofouling, biofilms, harmful algal blooms, microbial monitoring, renewable chemical production, and sustainable manufacturing. Clients are generally concerned with viability of new technologies, intellectual property, and milestones for start- up companies. He has 11 years of industrial experience as a senior research scientist with Hercules Pulp and Paper Group (now Solenis) developing less toxic microbial control and rapid monitoring methods to improve economics and environmental friendliness of paper production. Examples of research activities included tracking and eradication of spore forming bacteria, and control fungal contamination in construction material. An area of emphasis was the application of enzymes as alternatives to traditional chemical application. Xylanases and laccases have potential in pulp bleaching as well as renewable chemical production. Cellulases have applications in pulp and paper production, hydraulic fracturing, and chemicals from cellulosic feedstocks. Prior to his industrial work he worked extensively in characterization of microbial communities degrading organic contaminants. An area of emphasis was exploitation gene probe and DNA fingerprint technology to help optimize activity of key catalytic microbial populations in various matrices. Nucleic acid based technologies allow for diagnosis of community composition which has direct impact on bioreactor performance, product production, pathogen presence, and metabolic potential, in a more rapid and inclusive way than many traditional analysis.

The areas of expertise associated with this summary support the above areas. Genetic and DNA probe technology support monitoring of microbial systems whether for contamination, chemical production, or bioremediation. Fermentation technology is being bolstered by genetic engineering through mechanisms such as directed evolution coupled with high through put screeining. These methods promote the development of unique biological catalysts and are corner stones of start up biotech companies as well as established companies such as Novozymes, DSM, and DuPont. Expert has worked as a research scientist bring new technologies such as biological bleach to the paper industry. These sorts of advances have the potential to improve both profitability and sustainability in a number of industries.