Bangkok--5 Mar--AIT
Colorado State University (CSU) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) to enable cooperation in the field of bioprocess engineering and bioprocessing. The agreement was signed recently (22 Feb.) by Dr. Steven Abt, Interim Dean, College of Engineering, CSU and by Dr. Weerakorn Ongsakul, Dean, School of Environment, Resources and Development (SERD), AIT.
The agreement focuses on joint research on algal biomass and biodiesel production, along with joint research activities in agro-residues and value addition in other biomass. Besides agreeing to submit joint project proposals, the MoA envisages exchange of students, faculty and researchers in specified research. The MoA follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was signed by CSU and AIT in August 2012.
Welcoming the delegation, Dr. Weerakorn remarked that the association of CSU with AIT dated back to the founding years of AIT. Dr. Subin Pinyakan, Chairman of the SERD School Board, AIT stated that having being associated with both AIT and CSU, he felt obliged to do something for both institutions. Highlighting the CSU-AIT relationship, Dr. John D. Nelson, CEO of Engineering Analytics Inc. remarked that he began his academic career at AIT and ended it at CSU.
Prof. Kenneth F. Reardon of department of chemical and biological engineering, CSU delivered a presentation on areas of mutual interest including sensors for organic chemicals, biological contamination, low-energy culture dewatering, bioconversion of algal biomass and enzyme bio-prospecting. The CSU delegation also included Dr. David Dandy, Head, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.
Besides Dr. Weerakorn who deputed on behalf of the Acting AIT President, Prof. Worsak Kanok-Nukulchai, AIT was represented by Dr. Anil Kumar Anal and Dr. Jai Govind Singh of SERD, and Dr. Gabrielle Eva Carol Groves, Program Coordinator, External Relations and Communications Office (ERCO). The CSU delegation also visited the Food Engineering and Bioprocess Technology laboratory at AIT.
Photo caption: Dr. Steven Abt (seated second from right), Interim Dean, College of Engineering, CSU and Dr. Weerakorn Ongsakul (seated second from left), Dean SERD, AIT, are seen shaking hands after MoA signing in the presence of Dr. Subin Pinyakan (seated far left), Chairman of the SERD School Board, AIT, Dr. John D. Nelson (seated far right), CEO of Engineering Analytics Inc., and faculty members and officials from the two universities.