Biological Systems and Engineering (BSE) Division Director Blake Simmons is involved in facilitating a City of Hope led project that is using supercomputing resources to scrutinize the viral SARS-CoV-2 genome for insights into the COVID-19 disease in the hope of developing antiviral treatments.
Biosciences Area Cohosts Conference on Growing the Circular Bioeconomy
The Biosciences Area recently joined the California Air Resources Board, UC Berkeley, and UC’s Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources in co-hosting the California Bioresources Economy Summit, aimed at harnessing biotechnology to convert California waste streams from farms, forests, and landfills into valuable low-carbon fuels and products.
Associate Laboratory Director for Biosciences Mary Maxon keynoted the two-day conference as it kicked off January 29 at the David Brower Center in Berkeley. In her presentation, Maxon noted that expansion of the $370 billion per year U.S. bioeconomy could create more than 1 million jobs while reducing annual carbon emissions by up to 450 million tons.
JBEI Process and Pretreatment Development Team Honored by Secretary of Energy
Rick Perry awarded a Secretary of Energy’s Achievement Award to the Pretreatment and Process Development Team of the Joint BioEnergy Institute (JBEI). The team was recognized for pioneering the development of biomass-derived ionic liquids (“bionic liquids”) to enable efficient and sustainable one-pot biofuel conversion technologies. The multi-Lab team includes Biosciences researcher Blake Simmons and affiliate Aaron Socha. On hand to receive the award from Secretary Perry at the ceremony held on August 29 were Timothy Dutta, Murthy Konda, Seema Singh, and Socha (pictured above from left to right with Secretary Perry in the center). For more, please read the JBEI news story.
Area Scientists to Present Talks at 2018 AAAS Annual Meeting
Several Berkeley Lab scientists will present talks at the 72nd annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the world’s largest general scientific society, to be held February 15 through 19 in Austin, Texas. Among them are four representing the Biosciences Area: Mary Maxon, Blake Simmons, Trent Northen, and Susannah Tringe.
Diversity Senior Leadership Council Launched at the Lab
Berkeley Lab Director Witherell, in partnership with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Office, has announced the launch of Berkeley Lab’s DEI Senior Leadership Council (SLC). Members of the council include Biosciences Associate Laboratory Director Mary Maxon and Biological Systems & Engineering Division Director Blake Simmons. They, along with ten other councilmembers, will provide senior leadership with support and guidance toward achieving the Lab’s strategic DEI goals.
In his announcement, Witherell said that the SLC “will help carry out our commitment to ensure that diversity, equity, and inclusion become hallmarks of the Berkeley Lab culture. This council will provide senior management’s support and guidance toward achieving the Lab’s strategic DEI goals. The leadership and perspectives of our council members will be invaluable as we move forward with our strategy and vision for our organization.” Go to the DEI website to learn more.
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