Ross Klauer

Background

About Ross Klauer

I am currently in my fourth year as a PhD candidate in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at the University of Delaware and am a recipient of the NIH CBI Fellowship and DENIN Environmental Fellowships. I utilize microbial systems and synthetic biology to solve sustainability problems relevant to climate change and plastics pollution. Working under the advisement of Dr. Mark Blenner and Dr. Kevin Solomon, I leverage systems biology to determine the microorganisms and enzymes in Yellow mealworm (T. molitor) larvae which degrade common plastics (polystyrene, polyethylene, etc.). I develop design rules that dictate enzymatic deconstruction of non-hydrolyzable plastics. I have experience in venture creation, participating in the NSF I-Corps program and serving as an executive and team liaison in the Nucleate Genesis program. Using technical skills at the intersection of biology and chemical engineering, I am able to solve problems at the intersection of both disciplines. This skillset will enable the discovery and optimization bioprocessing routes for specialty chemicals, plastics, or biofuels. Having spent time in the oil and gas industry as a Process Design Engineer, I am well-versed on the scale-up and economics of chemical processing. These industrial skills allow me to effectively communicate the larger-scale importance and relevance of problems such as plastics upcycling.