The newly created Ohio BioProducts Innovation Center (OBIC) now has a leader. Stephen Myers was named Director by Bob Moser, Dean of the Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. "Director Myers will lead OBIC's effort to expand Ohio's high-tech research capabilities and promote our agricultural culture of innovation," said Moser, Vice President for Agricultural Administration. "Building on the strength of two of Ohio's largest industries, agriculture and the chemicals, plastics and rubber materials sector, Dr. Myers will lead this unique venture designed to link genetics, biotechnology, chemical conversion and the production of and commercialization of value-added bio-products."
 A result of the recent $11.6 million Third Frontier Project award to the College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), OBIC is a progressive partnership with the Ohio Soybean Council (OSC), Battelle Memorial Institute, and other Ohio State partners, including the Albemarle Corporation, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Cargill, Delphi Packard Electric Systems, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Ohio Corn Growers Association, Ohio Polymer Strategy Council, Ohio Seed Improvement Association, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Brookhaven National Laboratory, PolyOne Corporation, Procter & Gamble, Scotts, Sherwin-Williams, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service.
 "It has been an honor to serve as Chair of the Horticulture & Crop Science Department," said Dr. Myers. "The breadth and scope of agronomy and horticulture programs in the department as well in the industry groups across the state of Ohio is impressive. The accomplishments of outstanding people associated with these programs and groups is noteworthy." Myers added that it was a real pleasure to communicate the wonderful accomplishments of the Department, alumni and friends to the College and University as well as to external colleagues and stakeholders. In addition to his role as Director of OBIC, Dr. Myers will also serve as the Assistant Director for the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). Dr. Myers will serve in his current role as Professor and Chair in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science until July 1st or until an interim Chair is named. A national search will be conducted to identify a permanent Chair. Read the Ohio BioProducts Innovation Center Funded to learn more about the grant that made this new center possible.
Story and photo by Victor van Buchem. Graphic by Mary Hoffelt. Additional photo by Kevin Fitzsimons. |
