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Green algae are fast growing photosynthetic microorganisms that use solar energy and CO2 from the atmosphere. Biofuels derived from algae hold promise to remedy our needs for clean and renewable energy. |
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Solar Energy and Renewable Fuels Lab: Mission Statement |
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Dr. Halil Berberoğlu The University of Texas at Austin Mechanical Engineering Department 204 E. Dean Keeton Street Austin, TX 78705 USA
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Our research integrates thermal-fluid sciences with bio- and nano-technology, focusing on exploiting a wide range of renewable energy sources. In particular our group is interested in using solar energy to produce transportation fuels, electricity and sequester CO2.
Current research activities include fundamental and applied projects in (1) solar radiation transport and utilization, (2) cultivation of algae for CO2 sequestration and biofuel production, (3) bio-inspired solar cells, and (4) novel hydrogen production and storage technologies. Please refer to Projects for more detailed information.
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To contact us: |
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1. Developing innovative technologies to provide the society with sustainable and environmentally friendly energy supplies. 2. Providing world class education and research experience to students in renewable energy technologies. |
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Mission: |
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Dr. Berberoglu joins the faculty of the Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology (ICMB).
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Solar Energy and Renewable Fuels (SERF) Laboratory |
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The University of Texas at Austin |
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Solar Energy and Renewable Fuels Laboratory: News |
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Lab Members |
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Projects & Openings |
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Facilities & Equipment |
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Contact & Directions |
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Links |
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Funding & Sponsors |
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Home |
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Publications & Patents |
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Teaching |
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Outreach
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Pictures |
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The Solar Energy and Renewable Fuels Lab and senior high school student Zachary Gil-Mata from David Crockett High School teach kids about Algae at Austin Children’s Museum. The Austin Children’s Museum and Eco-Kids Camp enjoyed Zachary’s great algae presentation, bioreactor demonstration and looking at algae under the microscope. Check out more info on the Outreach Page. |
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Dr. Berberoglu’s 2nd annual Graduate Student Field Trip to the Renewable Energy Roundup, Fredericksburg, TX is another great success! Below, Dr. B presenting on Algae and Energy Efficiency. |
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PROJECT OPENINGS: Currently we are recruiting exceptional PhD level members for Fall 2013 semester. Check out Projects & Openings for more information on qualifications. |
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Surface attached bioreactor (SABR) developed at Solar Energy and Renewable Fuels Lab in collaboration with NASA Ames Exobiology group gets featured on NASA webpage, click here for the full story. |
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Dr. Berberoglu is giving an invited talk on “Solar Hydrogen Production Technologies” at American Chemical Society’s 243rd National Meeting in San Diego, CA on March 28, 2012. |
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Dr. Berberoglu wins the NSF BRIGE award to study formation and biotechnological applications of photosynthetic microbial biofilms (August 2, 2011). |
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Thomas Murphy is awarded the NASA Texas Space Grant Consortium Fellowship. Congratulations Tom! |
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Dr. Berberoglu and collaborators from NASA Ames Exobiology win the NASA Center Innovation Fund to a develop novel photobioreactor for space applications. |
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Angel and Altan’s paper on “Rheological properties of algae slurries for minimizing harvesting energy requirements in biofuel production” gets featured on Renewable Energy Global Innovations as a key scientific paper, click here. |
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Dr. Berberoglu wins the NSF CAREER Award for developing energetically, economically, and environmentally sustainable algal biofuels. |
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Dr. Berberoglu organizes and co-chairs a session on “Reducing Our Dependence on Fossil Fuels” at the National Academy of Engineering’s 2013 U.S. Frontiers of Engineering symposium, at DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware. (September 19-21, 2013). |
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Dr. Berberoglu participates the 2012 U.S. Frontiers of Engineering symposium at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Michigan (September 13-15, 2012). |
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Altan Ozkan graduates with his Ph.D. degree. Dr. Ozkan will be an assistant professor at the Bahcesehir University in Istanbul, Turkey. Congratulations Altan! |
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Dr. Berberoglu gives a talk on “Natural versus Artificial Light Usage in Algal Cultivation” at the Algae Biomass Summit 2012, in Denver CO. |
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Dr. Berberoglu wins the Norman Hackerman Advanced Research Projects grant on studying the electric and magnetic stimulation of cells. |
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Tom’s research on designing synthetic trees for biofuel production and life support in space gets featured on the Mechanical Engineering Department’s webpage (full story), on Scientific American., and on Algae Industry Magazine. |
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Dr. Berberoglu becomes the faculty advisor for the newly launched Sustainable Energy Systems (SES) Certificate program for undergraduate engineers. |