Dr. Kimberly Ogden discusses the potential of algae-based biofuels as an alternative energy source. It turns out algae grows well in the desert, and the biofuel research here in Tucson is cutting edge stuff!
Kimberly Ogden is currently teaching and conducting research at the University of Arizona. She received her BS degree from the Univ. of Pennsylvanina and her MS and PhD degrees from the University of Colorado. Prior to joining the UA in the fall of 1992 she was a postdoctoral fellow at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Kim's research focus includes bioreactor design for production of alternative fuels from algae and sweet sorghum and microbiological water quality. She is the engineering technical lead for the National Alliance for Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts.
Kimberly Ogden is also involved in teacher outreach programs. She has run a NSF Research Experiences for Teachers Program for over ten years, where teams of teachers spend 5 to 6 weeks in the summer doing research in the UA laboratories and transfer what they learn directly to the K-12 classroom through relevant lesson plans. She is also the principal investigator for a NSF GK-12 engineering program.
TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. Our event is called TEDxTucson, where x = independently organized TED event. At our TEDxTucson event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combined to spark deep discussion and connection about sustainability. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.