Robert Hable

Growing up just south of Ames, IA and having a great passion for science and engineering, Iowa State University (ISU) was an easy choice for Robert.  Throughout his undergraduate career, Robert participated in several research experiences all in the area of renewable energy and chemicals.  His first experience was with the Center for Sustainable Environmental Technologies (CSET) working on the characterization of fast pyrolysis bio-oil.  During the summer months, Robert participated in two NSF Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) programs: one at ISU researching on delignification of lignocellulosic cornstover and a second at the University of Kansas (KU) where he was first introduced to hydrothermal conversion of algae to produce biocrude.  Robert’s final years he spent working with the Center for Biorenewable Chemicals (CBiRC) trying to produce common chemical intermediates and their synthesis to popular chemical commodities all from a renewable source such as glucose.

Robert is just beginning his graduate work at KU with a strong interest in the reaction engineering and possible value-added commodities from hydrothermal liquefaction process of wastewater algae, specifically the biochar solids.   This unique research is part of the KU Biofuels “Feedstock to Tailpipe” © Initiative through the KU Transportation Research Institute.