Titles

• Senior Global Futures Scientist, Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory
• Foundation Professor, School of Life Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Biography

Wim Vermaas’s research focuses on the molecular biology and cell physiology of cyanobacteria, a type of photosynthetic microorganisms. Vermaas’s team is researching strains of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis that can create renewable raw materials, made from sunlight and CO₂, for biofuels and the chemical industry. In this way, Synechocystis is turned into a “milking cow”— producing and excreting valuable products for human use.

His lab is also determining how thylakoid membranes, the place where light capture and energy conversion in photosynthesis occur, are synthesized.

Professor Vermaas is director of an Integrative Graduate Education and Research Training program in Solar Energy (IGERT-SUN) funded by the National Science Foundation. He is fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and recognized at ASU for cutting-edge research, creative activities and excellence in classroom performance.

Education

• DSc, cum laude, Agricultural University, Wageningen, Netherlands, 1984
• Ingenieurs, Biology, cum laude, Agricultural University, Wageningen, Netherlands, 1982
• Kandidaats, Biology, cum laude, Agricultural University, Wageningen, Netherlands, 1980

Expertise

• cyanobacteria
• biological hydrogen
• bioenergy
• photosynthesis
• alternative fuels
• renewable energy
• Affordable and Clean Energy
• green chemistry
• alternative/renewable energy
• biochemicals/biochemical industry
• biofuels
• biology/microbiology
• biotechnology
• energy
• solar energy
• sustainability

External Links

• Website