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The Department of Food Science and Nutrition presents its spring 2025 seminar series featuring Beth Conerty, regional innovation officer for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub, who will give a presentation on “IBRL and iFAB: Growing Biomanufacturing in Illinois.” This seminar will take place on Thursday, April 3, from 12:45–1:45 p.m. over Zoom.

Abstract

The Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is a pilot-scale facility designed to help companies de-risk their technologies on their way to commercialization. The demand and success that IBRL has experienced in its six years of operation led to leading an application to the Economic Development Administration to become a tech hub and a leader in biomanufacturing for the country. Hear about IBRL’s experience with industry partners and the next steps in economic growth for Central Illinois and the state.

Biography

Beth Conerty currently serves as the regional innovation officer for the Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Tech Hub and as the associate director for business development for the Integrated Bioprocessing Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Beth received her bachelor’s in chemistry and master’s in bioenergy from the University of Illinois, and she received her Ph.D. in energy science and engineering from University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Lab. In her current role, she leads the effort to build relationships with researchers and industry clients as well as developing the biomanufacturing economy in Central Illinois.