The South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is pleased to welcome Dr. Lew Christopher as the director of the Center for Bioprocessing Research and Development (CBRD). Dr Christopher brings more than 20 years of industrial and academic experience in the field of bioprocessing and biotechnology of renewable resources. His research mission is focused on the development of cost effective and environmentally sound bioprocess technologies and products to enhance the value extracted from plant biomass using an integrated bio-refinery based approach.
Dr. Christopher's expertise and research interests include bioprocessing and bioconversion of lignocellulosics for production of biofuels and chemicals, enzymatic catalysis, fermentation biotechnology, and bioremediation of industrial effluents. He has published a number of peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and reports and is the author of several patents in the area of bioprocessing.
As a director of the CBRD, Dr. Christopher will provide leadership for the center and will be responsible for the coordination of the research efforts of scientists from both the School of Mines and South Dakota State University. He will also be responsible for creating strategic industrial partnerships with local and regional bioprocessing industries. His ultimate goal is to establish and consolidate the CBRD as a leading institution in South Dakota and beyond in the development and technology transfer of new bioenergy technologies which will reduce the national dependence on imported fuels of environmental concern and stimulate economic growth in the region.