Ramsdell honored with Transforming North Carolina Award
Jeff Ramsdell, professor in the Department of Technology, is one of two recipients of the Transforming North Carolina Faculty Research Award.
The Transforming North Carolina Faculty Research Award recognizes research with a significant impact on the present and/or future of North Carolina. It is sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Development Institute and the Cratis D. Williams Graduate School. The honor includes a $1,000 award for each project.
Ramsdell was honored for his biofuels initiative. He and his team are testing biodiesel that is being produced by several companies in the region as well feedstock crops grown on and around the Caldwell County’s landfill for potential biodiesel production.
“Crops will be used to develop bio-fuel for operating the Blackburn Landfill, which will, in effect, offset building construction and lower operational costs over time,” wrote Barry Edwards, director of utilities and engineering for Catawba County.
“Appalachian will test crops, and adjust or introduce new crops when applicable, to optimize the county’s fuel production, improve biodiesel crop production in Catawba County’s climate, and learn and share with producers in Western North Carolina which crops produce the best oils for the production of biodiesel,” Edwards said.