Two minutes

An environmental engineer and innovator

Hans van Leeuwen, a professor in the department of civil, construction and environmental engineering, was recently named R&D Magazine's 2009 Innovator of the Year. He says the award is mostly a matter of the right ideas at the right time with lots of help from collaborators.

Farming at jet speed: Van Leeuwen and the research teams he leads have been working to develop technologies that use microscopic fungi to improve the biofuels industry. Because van Leeuwen and his collaborators can grow, harvest and use their fungal crops in just a day or two, he likes to say it is "farming at jet speed."

One project is using fungi to convert wastes from biomass processing into biodiesel. Another is growing fungi on leftovers from ethanol production to improve production efficiencies and produce a food-grade and high-protein fungus that can supplement the diets of people and livestock.

R&D Magazine's 2009 Innovator of the Year: "I do appreciate that by presenting this award R&D Magazine is recognizing the importance of the environment and finding ways to create new products from wastes and ultimately feed a hungry Third World," van Leeuwen said.

A science experiment for breakfast: Van Leeuwen has been interested in microorganisms since he was a school kid in South Africa. That's when he started using bacteria to make homemade yogurt. And he's still at it: homemade yogurt mixed with bran -- plus elderberries when they're in season -- is his breakfast staple.

-- Mike Krapfl