Then and Now: 120 Bioeconomy Pioneers look at yesterday, today, inspirations and challenges

Phil Pienkos

Then: I was research director for Molecular Logix, a startup biotech pharma company engaged in anticancer drug discovery based on protein engineering.

Now: Group manager at NREL, leading group of scientists involved in various aspects of production of renewable fuels and chemicals from a variety of feedstocks, notably algae and waste streams.

Inspirations: Opportunities to make a difference on many levels, personal, institutional, global.

Challenges: Competing not only with cheap oil, but cheap sugars as well.  Need distinguishing characteristics (better, faster, cheaper) to succeed.