<h2>Director's Notes</h2>
<h3>March 2012</h3>
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<p>Hello All,</p>
<p>I hope this message finds each and every one of you doing well. </p>
<h3>Research & Technical Activities: </h3>
<ul>
<li>We conducted growth curves on the evolved yeast strains and compared them to non-evolved and non-genetically modified yeast. We conducted our study in parallel with those of our USDA collaborators Drs. Bruce Dien and Ron Hector and obtained similar results. </li>
<li>We conducted two complete corn “double fermentations” with the aim of testing the ability of the cellulosic enzyme kit to break down and the xylose-metabolizing yeast to ferment the beer bottoms, after conventional corn fermentation. Some of our current research will be presented at the BBI Biomass conference in Denver in April.</li>
<li> We continued the testing and analysis of DDGS. We expect to have additional full data set beginning June.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Outreach:</h3>
<ul>
<li> NCERC Staff: Dr. Sabrina Trupia (Director of Biological Research) sent a letter of commitment to form an Illinois Energy Learning Exchange, a statewide initiative that will incorporate in the STEM curriculum learning on renewable energy. </li>
<li> NCERC Staff: Hosted annual meeting of the Illinois Ethanol Research Advisory Board (i.e. NCERC, Advisory Board). </li>
<li> NCERC Staff: John Caupert (Director) was guest speaker at Illinois College Student – Ag. Council meeting held at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. </li>
<li> NCERC Staff: John Caupert (Director) attended leadership conference of Growth Energy. </li>
<li> NCERC Staff: Hosted staff visits of U.S. Congressman Tim Johnson (R-IL). </li>
</ul>
<p>Until next time, have a good, safe and productive month!</p>
<p>Regards,</p>
<p>John Caupert, Director National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center<br />Phone: 618-659-6737 Ext 226<br />Email: jcaupert@ethanolresearch.com</p>
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