Research Interests:

Production of ethanol for automotive fuels from renewable cellulosic waste materials (yard trash, cane bagasse, citrus pulp). Ethanol is currently blended in gasoline as an oxygenate to decrease air pollution, as a liquid fuel, and to boost octane ratings. Our research group at the University of Florida has developed novel biocatalysts and processes for the conversion of renewable waste biomass into fuel ethanol and other chemicals. Resulting inventions have been patented and licensed for commercial development. Ongoing research is focused on increasing efficiency and reducing costs to make this process even more competitive with petroleum. Dr. Ingram was elected to membership in the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, a fellow of the American Society for Microbiology, a fellow of the Society of Industrial Microbiology, and serves as the Director of the Florida Center for Renewable Chemicals and Fuels. His research has been reported in over 200 publications concerning various aspects of biotechnology with more than 20 issued patents, including U.S. Landmark Patent No. 5,000,000. Research from this UF program has been presented by invitation at more than 80 national and international symposia. In addition, Dr. Ingram frequently serves as an advisor to programs in the Department of Energy, the Department of Agriculture, and biotechnology industries. Research contributions from his work at the University of Florida were highlighted in the National Research Council Report entitled “Biobased Industrial Products: Priorities for Research and Commercialization.