Rich MacUr

Background

About Rich MacUr

Dr. Rich Macur is an environmental scientist with a broad background that includes: microbiology, geochemistry, molecular biology, analytical chemistry, soil science, and bioprocessing using fungi and algae. As faculty at Montana State University, Rich conducted research, taught a variety of classes and authored and co-authored 37 publications in peer-reviewed science journals and books. Much of Rich’s work over the last 20 years has focused on understanding the interactions between the unique geochemistry and extreme microbial life that thrives within the geothermal systems of Yellowstone National Park. These unique and understudied environments harbor enormous potential for providing novel organisms and enzymes that can be used to benefit humanity. In 2012, Rich co-founded Sustainable Bioproducts LLC (now Nature’s Fynd) together with Dr. Mark Kozubal. The company is an MSU spin-off and started with government funding for the use of extremophiles from Yellowstone for conversion of lignocellulose feedstocks to biochemicals, enzymes and other valuable products. Today, the primary goal of Nature’s Fynd is to commercialize the production of nutritious, high-protein foods using a novel, efficient and environmentally friendly fermentation process. Nature’s Fynd envisions that it will play a significant role in helping supply the rising societal demands for alternative high-protein foods and feeds. Rich leads a collaborative project with NASA, BioServe Space Technologies and the MSU Center for Biofilm Engineering. The program’s aim is to develop a novel and efficient fermentation technology for production of a variety of tasty-nutritious foods, pharmaceuticals, materials and biochemicals in support of long-duration space flights and extraterrestrial colonization. In 2022, Rich's team successfully demonstrated growth of high-protein biomats on the International Space Station using a novel bioreactor design. The successful demonstration in micro-gravity paves the way for the future use of the fermentation technology in space. In April of 2023, Rich was inducted into the Space Technology Hall of Fame for his work as co-founder of Nature's Fynd and his role in the development of the novel bioreactor for space Rich has also served as a consultant on the international scene for a variety of projects including environmental remediation, microbiology of disturbed soils, and biofertilizers.