COLLEGE STATION, Texas, August 7, 2008 – Thomas K. Wood, professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, has been awarded a grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for his work in modifying bacteria so that they produce hydrogen that can be used as an energy source.
Wood, who is working with colleagues from the University of Central Florida and the University of Connecticut, was awarded $300,000 to continue his research into genetically modifying a strain of Escherichia coli.
His initial work with the bacteria has shown promise, resulting in a strain that produces more than 140 times the amount of hydrogen than is created in a naturally occurring process. That early success could prove to be a significant stepping stone on the path to a hydrogen-based economy that has the potential to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil in an environmentally friendly way.
Still, Wood acknowledges that there is more work to be done, and he says support by the NSF will enable his research to move into its next phase.
For more information on Wood’s research in this area, click here.
