Earth Day Television and Online Special Features University of Arkansas Students
Back row: Kylan Rakestraw, Jamie Hestekin, Ethan Carter, Elizabeth Bevan, Jianjun Du, Tom Potts, and Roy Penney. Front row: Bob Beitle, Jill Ivey, Megan Huslig, Jeremy Stout, Hiroko Nakao and Michelle Shepherd
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – On April 9, a PBS Planet Forward special will feature a team of chemical engineering and Honors College students from the University of Arkansas. Their research project, a device that can convert algae into fuel, will be discussed and evaluated by a panel of experts. Four other projects will also be covered in the Earth Day program.
Viewers in Arkansas can watch the show online at planetforward.com starting the morning of April 9. The show will also air on AETN at 1:30 a.m. on April 9.
At the end of the show, the studio audience will vote for their favorite project, and viewers can vote online. Online voting will be open for several weeks after the show airs. Based on the vote counts, Planet Forward will choose two winners and follow those projects for a year, documenting their progress on its website and in future television shows.
The University of Arkansas project focuses on using algae to produce biofuels such as butanol. Algae, which grow quickly in streams and ponds, can be used to remove pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus from the water and then be harvested to make clean-burning biofuel. In addition, the leftover plant material can be used as fertilizer.
Fifteen students are taking part in this project, including undergraduates Elizabeth Bevan, Ethan Carter, Danielle Frechette, Megan Huslig, Jill Ivey, Alex Lopez, Ali McAtee, Kelly Meek, Hiroko Nakao, Kylan Rakestraw, Lizbeth Rostro, Michelle Shepherd and Jeremy Stout. Two doctoral students, Jianjun Du and Tom Potts, are also involved. Eight of the undergraduate students will be incorporating the project into their honors theses, and Kelly Meek and Ali McAtee have received a grant from the Honors College to support their work with this project.
Topics
Contacts
Jaime Hestekin, assistant professor of chemical engineering
College of Engineering
479-575-3492,
jhesteki@uark.edu
Camilla Shumaker, director of science and research communications
University Relations
479-575-7422,
camillas@uark.edu
Headlines
Peter Ungar Chosen as Member of the National Academy of Sciences
A distinguished professor of anthropology and director of environmental dynamics, Ungar is the first U of A faculty member to be elected to the prestigious Academy.
Ag Technology Students Visit Greenway Equipment, Learn About Advances in Machinery
Members of the U of A's Agricultural Systems and Technology Club recently spent a day at the Greenway Technology Farm in Newport to learn about advances featured in John Deere tractors and machinery.
College of Education and Health Professions WE CARE Everywhere Campaign Kicks Off This Summer
Retractable scroll banners with the phrase "WE CARE Everywhere" are small enough to fit any suitcase and just waiting for your chance to shine in social media posts throughout the summer.
Staff Senators for 2024-25 Elected
Twelve newly elected staff members will begin serving the U of A staff community for three-year terms beginning July 1 on the university's Staff Senate.
Matlock Briefs Congressional Staff Regarding Crop Sustainability Research
Professor Marty Matlock briefed U.S. House of Representative and Senate staff members on research conducted by the U of A regarding the effects of management practices on crop sustainability.