Li receives support for bioenergy crop research

The U.S. Department of Energy has named University of Nebraska–Lincoln scientist Huang Li as one of 30 “New Investigators” who will receive support to pursue genomic research relating to the bioeconomy.

The department’s Joint Genome Institute promotes research to improve energy crops, produce bioproducts, break down waste and keep biomes healthy. Each year, the institute designates a set of “New Investigators,” principal investigators who have not previously led projects supported by the institute’s Community Science Program.

Li’s research with the Joint Genome Institute will analyze how modified green algae and oilseed crops differ in gene expression level and network. The collaborative project will aim to identify promising targets and components to improve respiration and energy efficiency at the cellular level. The findings could lead to breakthroughs in optimizing biofuel crops, increasing their growth rate and yields while reducing energy loss and resource inputs.

PHOTO: University of Nebraska–Lincoln scientist Huang Li, research assistant professor of biochemistry. (University of Nebraska–Lincoln Extension)