Researchers from a variety of disciplines integral to the West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design will come together April 25 for a forum to discuss innovation and entrepreneurship.

“These researchers in the biomaterials, animal science and design manufacturing disciplines will speak about their experience collaborating with industry, balancing university research responsibilities and their entrepreneurial pursuits, and discussing obstacles and recommendations for university faculty interested in pursuing innovation and commercialization efforts,” said Lindsay Emery, business development manager with WVU’s Office of Research and Economic Development.

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be held from 4:30 – 6 p.m. in 2001 Agricultural Sciences Building on WVU’s Evansdale Campus and will feature three speakers.

Steve Kelley, professor and department head of forest biomaterials at North Carolina State University, conducts research in sustainable production of energy and materials from biomass and the application of novel analytics tools to biomass.

Prior to joining North Carolina State University, Kelley spent 13 years at the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory where he worked on biomass conversion technologies, technical leadership & innovation in the areas of biomass characterization, production of value-added bio-based products and thermal conversion processes.

Anthony Bimbo, technical consultant with International Fisheries Technology, has worked in the global fishing industry for over 50 years. His first 33 years were spent with the largest fishmeal and oil producer in the U.S. For the last 17 years he has served as an international consultant for the industry.

During his career, Bimbo has held a number of important roles including chairman of the Scientific Committee for International Fishmeal and Fishoil Organization, co-chairman of the U.S. Menhaden Task Force that submitted the Generally Recognized as Safe menhaden oil petition to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and member of nine Expert Generally Recognized as Safe panels for various marine oil products.

Craig Nelson, senior footwear designer for Sketchers USA, has over 15 years of experience working in the footwear product business and has extensive brand building expertise and design management experience. He received his bachelor’s degree from the Rhode Island School of Design and his master’s degree in industrial design from North Carolina State University.

The event is co-hosted by the Davis College and Linking Innovation, Industry and Commercialization, a program dedicated to establishing new and strengthening current relationships between industry representatives, faculty researchers and students.

-WVU-

law/4/10/13

CONTACT: Lindsay Emery, LIINC
304-293-0391, Lindsay.Emery@mail.wvu.edu

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