Association of Southeastern Biologists

Mark Venable
Associate Professor

B.S. Chemistry - Western Carolina University
Ph.D. Biochemistry - Wake Forest University

Professional experience:

• Postdoctoral, University of Utah - Cardiovascular Research Training Institute
• Research Associate, Duke University - Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development

Teaching specialties:

• Cell Biology
• Biology of Aging

Areas of expertise:

• Lipid Biochemistry
• Cellular Signaling
• Biofuels

Current courses:

• Cell Biology
• Advanced Cell Biology
• Biology of Aging
• Biotechnology and Society

Research:

My current research focuses on biofuels. Biofuels have the potential to help slow / reverse global climate change as well as reduce our dependence on foreign oil. My research group is working on second generation feedstocks that will soon replace oil seed crops. Algae can produce 100 times as much oil per acre as soybeans and produced most of the oil that we burn as gasoline and diesel today. There are several technical hurdles that remain before this can become a reality. Our focus is on growing algae so as to maximize growth rate and oil content. This work entails cell cultures in various formats indoors and out. We are experimenting with sources of CO2 and fertilizer on treatment regimes. We are also conducting lipid metabolic studies using fluorescent tracers, oil analysis, chromatography and microscopy. We are also part of a larger group at Appalachian and beyond that is working to improve conversion of oil to biodiesel and to test that biodiesel for fuel quality. The group is also working on outreach to the community to promote alternative energy.

ch to the community to promote alternative energy.

Website: http://www.appstate.edu/~venableme/welcome.html